The agreement underscores Vietnam’s so-called bamboo diplomacy, in which the Communist government pursues a flexible foreign policy that balances ties between the US and its allies with other countries such as Russia and China.
Vietnam and France agreed to upgrade diplomatic relations between the two countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the Southeast Asian country’s highest level.
The agreement came during Vietnam Communist Party General Secretary To Lam’s visit to the European country, according to a statement on the Vietnam government’s website.
