At the meeting, the two sides discussed research programs, policy consultation, coordinated project implementation, shared information on socio-economic development associated with climate change adaptation and environmental protection, etc.

Speaking with Minister Dang Quoc Khanh, Ambassador Olivier Brochet said that currently, senior leaders of the two countries have many meetings and exchanges, so the Ambassador believes that this is an opportunity for specialized agencies to work together to build programs to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between France and Vietnam.

Appreciating the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for its advice to the Government and the Prime Minister to make strong commitments at COP 26 to bring net emissions to “0” by 2050; announcing Vietnam’s Just Energy Transition Resource Mobilization Plan (JETP) at COP28 along with Vietnam’s efforts in mitigation, adaptation, and green growth in recent times... Ambassador Olivier Brochet said that the French Government will commit to supporting Vietnam to achieve the above goals, both to address the global key issue of climate change adaptation and not to hinder the development policies of developed countries in general and Vietnam in particular.

In addition to the support of the French Government, currently through the French Development Agency AFD, there is a large support resource of up to more than 500 million EUR to support Vietnam in implementing projects on climate change adaptation, biodiversity protection, marine pollution protection, etc.

In addition to the existing cooperation programs, the French Government wishes to have more cooperation programs with the Vietnamese Government in general and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in particular in the coming time, including the Just Energy Transition Resource Mobilization Program (JETP); the program to build financial instruments for the carbon market; cooperation on biodiversity conservation programs; ocean protection; research, exploration, and assessment of river pollution; sustainable exploitation of minerals... in the spirit that France always accompanies Vietnam in development and does not let Vietnam sacrifice its set development goals.

Speaking with French Ambassador Olivier Brochet and Mr. Hervé Conan, Director of the French Development Agency, Minister Dang Quoc Khanh said that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is a multi-sectoral ministry with 9 management areas, of which nature conservation and climate change response are important areas in the current global context. The Minister thanked the French Government through the French Development Agency, AFD, for always being an important partner of Vietnam in the field of environmental protection and climate change response.

According to Minister Dang Quoc Khanh, the Vietnamese Government has not only made commitments but has been implementing action programs according to the commitment roadmap to aim for sustainable development goals, adapt to climate change and ensure national energy security.

The Minister agreed with Ambassador Olivier Brochet’s opinion on the international cooperation program in the new context, especially that developed countries must be responsible for developing countries to ensure “fairness” and aim for common goals. Therefore, the Minister hoped that through the AFD agency, the French Government would provide more support to Vietnam in terms of policies, resources, science and technology exchange, etc.

Discussing with the ambassador about Vietnam's viewpoint on socio-economic development with environmental protection; biodiversity protection, minimizing marine pollution... Minister Dang Quoc Khanh said that with the Government's viewpoint of not trading the economy for the environment and socio-economic development must be associated with environmental protection and climate change adaptation, in the Law projects that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has built and recently passed by the National Assembly such as the Land Law (amended), the Water Resources Law (amended), or the National Marine Space Planning under construction, it has also shown the great determination of the Vietnamese Government in the work of biodiversity conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems throughout Vietnam and the desire to achieve the target of 30% of the mainland area and 30% of the sea area being protected... in addition, taking advantage of opportunities from responding to climate change to shift the growth model, enhance the resilience and competitiveness of the economy.

However, to achieve those goals, international support is needed, including the French Government. The Minister suggested that the Ambassador report to the French Government and discuss with French ministries and branches to provide technical and financial support to support Vietnam in solving environmental pollution, especially in combating marine pollution and air pollution; managing water resources; supporting Vietnam in implementing JETP; exploiting and processing mineral resources sustainably...

Also at the meeting, Minister Dang Quoc Khanh said that on the occasion of Ambassador Olivier Brochet taking up his assignment in Vietnam in 2023, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, a very important milestone in the special relationship between Vietnam and France. Therefore, the Minister wished the Ambassador and his family a successful term in Vietnam, thereby contributing to promoting the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and France to achieve more achievements, commensurate with the potential as well as the special historical relationship between the two countries.