Vice President Doan meets senior French officials on ties

During the meetings, the two sides shared the wish for closer cooperation between the two countries in the fields of energy, trade, science-technology, national defence-security, education, health care, tourism and climate change.

On the occasion, Vice President Doan informed the French side on the ongoing tension in the East Sea and affirmed that Vietnam will pursue the consistent policy of settling disputes via peaceful dialogue in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea between ASEAN and China, rather than using force or threatening to use force. She also thanked the French government, the France - Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians' Group and many French organisations for supporting Vietnam's stance on this issue. The French Senate President and many senators expressed concerned about the escalating tensions on the East Sea and voiced their hope that parties concerned will soon reach a peaceful solution via talks. They pledged that the French Senate will continue to raise a strong voice in this regard. Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius agreed with Doan's proposal to intensify joint efforts to implement the University of Science and Technology project in Hanoi. He also invited the Vietnamese side to attend the 21st Conference of the Parties on Climate Change that France will host by late 2015. The FM stressed that the two countries should increase talks on issues of mutual concern, adding that France is keeping close watch of the East Sea tension. France is concerned about the situation, he said, adding that the country will make efforts to together with Vietnam push for a peaceful solution for the East Sea issue in conformity to international law. Vice President Doan is scheduled to attend and deliver a speech at the summit opening and a follow-up press conference on June 5. The summit brings together delegates representing the three critical 'legs' of change - government, business and civil society - to assist in promoting greater economic opportunities for women.

(Source: VNA)