Vietnam's top leader To Lam receives France's highest honor in Paris ceremony

French President Emmanuel Macron presented the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor, France's highest state award, to Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President To Lam on Sept. 10.

Created in 1802, the Legion of Honor recognizes individuals and organizations for exceptional contributions. It has five classes, running from Knight up to the Grand Cross.

Macron and his wife had earlier welcomed To Lam and his wife at Les Invalides in Paris, Vietnam News Agency reported. The two leaders then met the press, held talks and witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents.

They agreed to keep up regular contact at the leadership and working levels across all channels, make fuller use of existing cooperation mechanisms and examine ways to deepen cooperation in specific sectors.

The two also agreed to expand cooperation in defense and security, the economy, trade, science and technology, and education.

French President Emmanuel Macron presents the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor to Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President To Lam, Sept. 10. Photo courtesy of Vietnam News Agency

Vietnam and France became strategic partners in 2013 and comprehensive strategic partners in October 2024, making France the first EU country to reach the highest tier of relations with Vietnam.

Two-way trade reached about $6.3 billion in 2025, up on the previous year, according to Vietnam Customs.

France ranks 16th among the 153 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 746 active projects and about $4 billion in registered capital. Vietnam, in turn, has 20 active projects in France worth $38.78 million.