Hanoi (VNA), Dec. 8 -- Vietnam considers France a leading important partner in its diplomatic policy, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has told visiting President of the French Senate Gerard Larcher.

During a reception for the French leader in Hanoi on December 8, Phuc described economic cooperation as an important pillar of the Vietnam-France strategic partnership.

France is always a leading European trade, investment and development assistance partner of Vietnam, he said, adding two-way trade surged by 18% year on year to 3.51 billion USD in the first eight months of this year which is expected to grow strongly on the back of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

The Vietnamese President suggested the French Senate soon approve the ...