Vietnamese Assistant Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh and Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue co-chaired the meeting in the presence of the ASEAN Deputy General Secretary. 

The meeting reviewed the development of the ASEAN-China relationship over the past year, especially the strengthening of cooperation in coping with the financial crisis and climate change as well as in sustainable development. 

The two sides briefed each other on their efforts to strengthen ASEAN connectivity and address issues of common concern such as trans-national crime, economic development, disease prevention and regional security. 

The Chinese side expressed its strong support for the ASEAN community and regional links in strengthening infrastructure construction and narrowing the development gap. 

The two sides also discussed activities to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the ASEAN-China Partnership (1991-2011), the building of a 2011-2015 cooperative programme and preparations for the upcoming ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and ASEAN-China Summit.

VNA