This morning, President Luong Cuong and his spouse hosted a formal welcome ceremony for French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse Brigitte Macron at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi.

A large group of children from the capital gathered at the palace, waving the national flags of both countries to greet the French President, First Lady, and accompanying high-level delegation.

The motorcade escorting President Macron and his spouse entered the Presidential Palace grounds, where President Luong Cuong and his spouse warmly welcomed them at the red carpet area. Children then approached to present fresh flower bouquets to President Macron and Madame Macron.

In the welcoming music, President Luong Cuong and President Macron walked the red carpet toward the ceremonial platform. After the national anthems of both countries were played, the two leaders stepped off the platform, saluted the national flags, and reviewed the Honor Guard of the Vietnam People’s Army.

Next, President Luong Cuong and President Macron introduced members of their respective high-level delegations.

After the ceremony, the two heads of state held bilateral talks to review the progress of bilateral cooperation and propose future directions. They also witnessed the signing of cooperation documents and held a joint press briefing.

President Macron will meet with other top Vietnamese leaders and attend several important events during his visit.

Earlier, President Macron and Madame Brigitte Macron laid wreaths at the Monument to Heroic Martyrs and paid tribute at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Vietnam and France established diplomatic relations on April 12, 1973. In 2013, the relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership and, as of October 2024, to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. France is the first EU country to reach this highest level of diplomatic relations with Vietnam.

France ranks as Vietnam’s fifth-largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade reaching USD 5.42 billion in 2024.

The Vietnamese community in France numbers around 350,000, the largest in Europe, including 50,000 intellectuals and thousands of entrepreneurs.

Tran Thuong - Pham Hai