As part of the ongoing 10^th Asia-Pacific meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophone (APF) in Da Nang, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, on Monday, warmly received Mr. Gaston Tong Sang, Chairman of the Sub-Committee cum President of the Assembly of French Polynesia, and Mr. Roc Oamitan, Chairman of the Sub-Committee cum President of the Parliament of the Territory of New Caledonia (France).

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man (right) receives Mr. Gaston Tong Sang, Chairman of the Sub-Committee cum President of the Assembly of French Polynesia

During his meeting with Mr. Gaston Tong Sang, Vice Chairman Man congratulated him on his new position of Vice Chairman of the APF, and the Polynesian sub-committee on its active involvement in the executive committee, networks and committees of the APF.

Mr. Man added since Viet Nam and France set up a strategic partnership in 2013, their relations has been developing strongly. The two countries are joining efforts to organise activities to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Viet Nam-France diplomatic ties (1973-2023) and the 10^th anniversary of their bilateral ties upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2013-2023). He also affirmed the vital role of decentralised cooperations between Vietnamese and French localities over the past time.

The Vietnamese host asked Mr. Gaston Tong Sang to take specific actions to promote bilateral cooperation with Viet Nam, especially in the field of tourism. He also hoped that NA deputies of the two sides will continue to increase the exchange of experiences, expand cooperation and support each other at the APF, the Francophone Community as well as at forums in which the two sides are members.

For his part, Mr. Gaston Tong Sang expressed his desire that in the near future, the National Assembly of Viet Nam and the Territory of Polynesia Francaise will sign a memorandum of understanding to further promote exchange activities.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man (right) and Mr. Roc Oamitan, Chairman of the Sub-Committee cum President of the Parliament of the Territory of New Caledonia (France).

During his reception on the same day for Mr. Roc Oamitan, Vice Chairman Man praised the Nouvelle Sub-Committee for becoming an official member of the APF.

The APF and its member countries in the Francophone Community always hold an important position in Viet Nam's foreign policy. In particular, New Caledonia is a dynamic overseas territory with a large number of Vietnamese people. This is considered to be a very important factor to boost cultural exchange and cooperation between Viet Nam and the territory of New Caledonia in particular, and France in general,

Vice Chairman Man asked for help from Mr. Roc Oamitan to consider and promote cooperation relations between New Caledonia and Vietnamese localities. He also thanked the New Caledonia government for facilitating the Vietnamese community to live, study and contribute to the development of the country.

The delegation of the National Assembly of Viet Nam taking a souvenir photo with the delegation of the Parliament of the Territory of New Caledonia.

In reply, Mr. Roc Oamitan expressed his impression on the thoughtful preparations of the National Assembly of Viet Nam and Da Nang government for the 10^th Asia-Pacific meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of APF.

The guest believed that by hosting this year’s meeting, Viet Nam affirms its role and position in the organization of international-scale events.

Reporting by LAM PHUONG - Translating by M.DUNG