The statement was made by Truong Tan Sang, a Politburo member and permanent member of the Secretariat of the CPV’s Central Committee while receiving a delegation from the PCF, headed by Bob Injey, member of the National Coordinating Committee and the Standing Committee of the PCF, in Hanoi on June 11.

Sang welcomed the PCF delegation’s visit, describing it as evidence of the traditional and solidarity cooperative relationship between the two parties, which was originally established by President Ho Chi Minh.

He thanked the French communists for the valuable support they have extended to Vietnam in its struggle for national construction and defence both in the past and at present.

The official expressed his hope that the PCF will overcome its current difficulties and successfully complete its struggle for its people, democracy and social progress.

Bob Injey said that the PCF wishes to enhance its relations with their Vietnamese counterparts and will do its utmost to promote friendly and cooperative ties between France and Vietnam.

He spoke highly of the important achievements that the Vietnamese people have made over the past 20 years of renewal, saying those are valuable experiences that give encouragement to the PCF and others who are struggling for peace, democracy and socialism around the world.

The PCF official briefed his host about the situation in France and Europe, particularly the impacts of the global financial crisis and economic downturn, as well as the PCF’s activities after its 34th congress.

Earlier, the PCF guests had held talks with a delegation from the CPV, led by Ngo Van Du, Secretary and Head of the Office of the CPV’s Central Committee.

Both parties discussed measures to consolidate and step up relations between the two parties and nations.

While in Vietnam, the French delegation paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum and met with the Theoretical Council and the Commission for External Relations of the CPV’s Central Committee.

The PCF officials also had meetings with the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and later toured Hanoi and the provinces of Hai Duong and Quang Ninh.