HANOI: French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Vietnam on Sunday (Might 25) for the primary leg of a Southeast Asia tour, the place he’ll pitch his nation as a reliable alternative partner to the United States and China.
Throughout his six-day journey, which incorporates Indonesia and Singapore, Macron will underscore his respect for the sovereignty of Asian international locations “caught between the US and China”, a presidential aide stated throughout a pre-tour briefing.
The French president is because of meet Vietnam’s prime management on Monday within the capital, Hanoi, and key power sector gamers on Tuesday.
Macron is hoping to showcase France’s experience in civil nuclear energy in Vietnam and Indonesia, that are eager to embrace this type of power, though different international locations, together with Russia, are additionally within the working for offers.
“The main challenges of the century … can solely be met in cooperation with our companions,” Macron wrote on social media after touchdown in Hanoi.
“I’ve come right here to strengthen our ties in key areas: defence, innovation, power transition and cultural exchanges. In all places I am going, I will be saying one easy factor: France is an influence of peace and steadiness,” he stated.
“It’s a dependable companion that believes in dialogue and cooperation. When some select to withdraw, France chooses to construct bridges.”
