Visit of Emmanuel Macron to Vietnam: Agreements, Shared History, and the Future of Franco-Vietnamese Relations

Emmanuel Macron’s State Visit to Vietnam in 2025: Strengthening Bilateral and Multilateral Cooperation in a Shifting Global Order

From May 25 to 27, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron conducted a landmark state visit to Vietnam, a strategic moment in international relations between two nations deeply connected by history, culture, and shared global ambitions.

This visit is more than symbolic: it reflects a modern diplomacy grounded in cooperation, development goals, and sustainable, reciprocal partnerships.

Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the French Republic in partnership with its Vietnamese counterpart, the visit featured high-level ministerial meetings, treaty negotiations, and the signing of a wide range of bilateral and multilateral agreements.

Key sectors included defense, global health, aeronautics, education, culture, energy, and international development.

This diplomatic initiative illustrates how member-states of the European Union, ASEAN, and global bodies like the UNDP, the OECD, and the Security Council work to promote peace, prosperity, and solidarity in the Indo-Pacific.

Diplomatic Milestones: A Timeline of France-Vietnam Cooperation

The ambassadors and senior delegations held a series of consultations in Hanoi aimed at expanding ties across the public and private sector. These discussions resulted in:

1. Aeronautics

VietJet signed a deal to purchase 20 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, raising its total Airbus fleet to 40. The deal, valued at over $3 billion, reinforces air connectivity between Southeast Asia and Europe, promoting economic prosperity and job creation.

2. Global Health & Pharmaceutical Sovereignty

French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi agreed to develop local vaccine production facilities in Vietnam to enhance global health resilience and capacity building.

The initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international standards set by UN agencies.

3. Defense & Security Cooperation

Vietnam and France reaffirmed their mutual commitment to peacekeeping operations, anti-terrorism initiatives, and military training programs. This co-operation includes exchanges between naval forces and enhanced ministerial-level dialogue.

4. Education, Culture, and Francophonie

The two governments expanded Erasmus+ agreements, launched new joint degree programs, and pledged to strengthen French-language education.

Cultural exchanges, parliamentary diplomacy, and university-level collaborations will now operate under a reinforced framework of cooperation.

5. Energy and Environment

Both countries signed memoranda focused on civil nuclear energy, sustainable urban development, and climate diplomacy.

France reaffirmed its solidarity with Vietnam in climate adaptation and ecological transition efforts.

The United States and Vietnam: A Parallel Diplomatic Arc

While France and Vietnam deepen ties, Vietnam’s bilateral relationship with the United States is also flourishing. Since the normalization of relations, the two countries have emphasized:

• Strategic dialogues on free trade, migration, and regional security

• High-level meetings involving the Secretary-General, Prime Minister, and delegations from both sides

• Joint projects in digital economy, humanitarian aid, and civil aviation

This triangular relationship (France–Vietnam–USA) signals a broader geopolitical shift toward multilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Vietnam, Tunisia, and the South: Expanding the Diplomatic Web

Vietnam also continues to strengthen ties with nations in Africa and the Middle East, including Tunisia and Morocco. These relations of cooperation are often anchored in:

• South-South exchanges

• Jumelages (city partnerships)

• Programs funded by AFD and coordinated via the Direction of Cooperation within France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Countries like Tunisia have engaged in conferences on education, migration, and sustainable development, reflecting Vietnam’s growing role as a global diplomatic player.

France’s Global Strategy: Diplomacy in Action

France continues to invest heavily in international development through call for projects, seminars, and ministerial conferences. The nation’s policy of cooperation is structured around:

• International organizations like the OECD, UNDP, and OIF

• Treaties and agreements supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and public health

• Promotion of prosperity, academic freedom, and sustainable governance through consultations and regional platforms

This strategy is designed to reinforce not just bilateral relations, but also relations multilatérales, anchored in reciprocity, inclusion, and long-term vision.

Conclusion

President Macron’s 2025 visit to Vietnam represents a diplomatic blueprint for 21st-century cooperation. Through expanded international conferences, treaty negotiations, and shared commitments to climate, health, and education, both nations position themselves as key actors in the global balance of power.

Their collaborations with the private sector, civil society, and international institutions show that diplomacy is not merely a function of politics—it’s an evolving partnership in pursuit of shared goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What were the key agreements signed during Macron’s visit to Vietnam?

• Airbus A330-900neo purchase (20 aircraft)

• Global health agreement with Sanofi

• Defense and anti-terrorism cooperation

• Expansion of Erasmus+ and joint university programs

• Nuclear energy and climate resilience cooperation

2. What is bilateral cooperation?
Bilateral cooperation refers to agreements and actions between two nations—like France and Vietnam—covering education, economy, defense, and diplomacy.

3. What is multilateral cooperation?
Multilateral cooperation involves multiple countries or organizations working on shared challenges (e.g., global health, migration, climate) within frameworks like ASEAN, UN, OCDE, or the Security Council.

4. What is the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
It manages foreign policy, oversees international relations, represents the state in negotiations, and coordinates aid to developing countries.

5. What are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
A global agenda by the UNDP focused on ending poverty, ensuring health and education, and combating climate change by 2030.

6. What does “call for projects” mean in international cooperation?
It refers to funding or partnership opportunities open to NGOs, universities, and institutions seeking to contribute to specific diplomatic or development objectives.

7. How does France support global health?
Through the AFD, global health funds, and strategic public-private partnerships, France strengthens healthcare systems in developing countries and supports vaccine equity.

8. What is the value of parliamentary and ministerial consultations?
They strengthen mutual trust, align policy goals, and help consolidate legal and diplomatic frameworks for future treaties and investments.

9. How do international organizations promote prosperity?
By coordinating investments, sharing expertise, and supporting reforms in emerging economies through seminars, negotiations, and shared development goals.

10. What is ASEAN’s role in all this?
As a key platform for regional diplomacy, ASEAN allows Vietnam to anchor its foreign policy in multilateral peace and trade efforts, often with support from European Union partners.

International Relations & Macron’s Visit to Vietnam – Extended FAQ

1. What role does the United Nations play in Franco-Vietnamese cooperation?

The United Nations, through agencies like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the High-Commissioner for Refugees, supports peace and security, gender equality, and inclusive development in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. France and Vietnam collaborate regularly at the General Assembly and on international law initiatives.

2. How is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs involved in international development?

The Minister of Foreign Affairs (France) and his Vietnamese foreign minister counterpart lead all high-level diplomacy. They manage embassies, direct the secretariat, and represent their countries in international affairs, especially through the Asia-Pacific framework.

3. What is the Belt and Road Initiative and how does it relate to Vietnam?

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), led by China, is a global infrastructure plan. Vietnam balances its cooperation with BRI through trade and investment diversification, notably strengthening ties with France, the European Union, and other Asia-Pacific partners.

4. How do embassies and consular services support cooperation?

Embassies and consular sections in Hanoi and Paris offer logistical and legal support for citizens, businesses, and delegations. They facilitate international trade, issue visas, and manage cultural and scientific exchanges.

5. What is the role of international law in France-Vietnam agreements?

All treaties and memorandums signed during Macron’s visit comply with international law, including commitments to gender equality, environmental responsibility, and dispute resolution under the United Nations and World Bank frameworks.

6. What are the goals of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam?

The UNDP in Vietnam focuses on global development, climate action, digital transformation, and inclusive governance. France supports these programs via international cooperation funds and ministerial initiatives.

7. How does the French embassy in Vietnam engage with local authorities?

The French embassy works closely with Vietnam’s governmental bodies on trade, education, energy, and culture. It organizes conferences on innovation, climate, and sustainable growth, with the support of the Director-General for International Cooperation.

8. What types of international conferences were held during Macron’s visit?

A series of international conferences and ministerial forums took place in Hanoi, focusing on trade and investment, academic partnerships, gender equality, and refugees. These were co-hosted by the commission on bilateral relations and multilateral governance.

9. How do France and Vietnam promote gender equality in diplomacy?

France supports Vietnam through UNDP, World Bank, and embassy-led programs that encourage gender equality in government, business, and education. Macron’s visit included a seminar on women’s leadership in international trade.

10. What is the significance of delegation exchanges?

High-level delegations from both sides met to discuss issues ranging from foreign relations and peace and security to scientific collaboration and visa liberalization. These inter-governmental meetings are crucial to solidifying trust and expanding cooperation.

11. How is Vietnam engaging with other countries while cooperating with France?

Vietnam maintains foreign relations with multiple other countries, including the U.S., China, Japan, and those in Europe. Strengthening ties with France is part of a broader strategy to diversify partnerships within the Asia-Pacific and globally.

12. What is the role of the World Bank in Vietnam’s development?

The World Bank provides funding and technical expertise for Vietnam’s global development goals. French-backed projects in clean energy, healthcare, and smart infrastructure often operate within these frameworks.

13. What issues does the Security Council focus on regarding Vietnam?

The Security Council addresses topics related to the South China Sea, peace and security, and maritime sovereignty. France advocates for Vietnam’s rights under international law, especially in joint naval training and regional conflict prevention.

14. What is the diplomatic status of territories and consular zones in this cooperation?

Both countries respect sovereignty while encouraging ministerial visits to overseas territories, as well as supporting dual-nationals and expats through robust consular cooperation and agreements on jurisdictional assistance.

15. Why are international treaties essential in these relations?

Treaties formalize long-term cooperation. Whether in the form of trade pacts, energy deals, or cultural agreements, they create legal frameworks that align with international organizations’ standards and mutual prosperity.