Vietnam and France Sign Bilateral Cooperation Agreement
Paris, The Gulf Observer: Vietnamese Minister of Home Affairs Phạm Thị Thanh Trà and French Minister for Public Servants, Simplification, and Transformation of Public Action Guillaume Kasbarian held a significant meeting on October 4, where they discussed various cooperation programs and signed key bilateral cooperation documents. The meeting coincided with the visit of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam, who is attending the 19th Francophonie Summit and conducting an official visit to France from October 3 to 7.
During the meeting, Minister Trà praised the progress of cooperation between the two ministries over the past period (2016-2024), particularly in enhancing the quality of public services. She emphasized the fruitful exchange of delegations at all levels, the organization of annual seminars with international experts, and the emphasis on training young officials and female staff. Trà highlighted that cooperation has deepened, bringing practical benefits and positive results for both sides.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Home Affairs expressed its desire to continue advancing cooperative initiatives with the French Ministry for Public Servants in the coming years. Trà also extended an invitation to Minister Kasbarian to visit Vietnam, further strengthening the relationship between the two countries and their respective ministries.
In response, Minister Kasbarian expressed his appreciation for the meeting, considering it a vital step in deepening the strategic partnership between Vietnam and France. He commended the ongoing cooperation activities, noting that they have enhanced ties between the two ministries and opened new avenues for future collaboration.
A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of an administrative agreement between the two ministries for the period 2025-2028. The agreement outlines a framework for cooperation on public services and administrative modernization, with a focus on experience-sharing in areas such as e-government development, digital transformation, and public administration. The agreement also prioritizes the management of digital records, gender equality in public service, and equal access to career opportunities.
In addition, the two sides agreed to collaborate on training civil servants, particularly those in local administrations and those involved in strategic planning. They will also focus on developing online training systems, such as e-learning platforms, and building legal frameworks to govern public service ethics.
Minister Kasbarian highlighted the signing of the agreement as an important milestone, marking the continued commitment of both countries to sharing best practices and promoting trust in bilateral cooperation for optimal outcomes.
This agreement further solidifies the close ties between Vietnam and France, enhancing cooperation in public administration and aligning with the broader strategic partnership between the two nations.
