China affirms Vietnam’s special position in foreign policy

Xi, who was visiting Vietnam, agreed with Thuong’s proposals that the two countries should increase strategic exchanges and strategic connectivity, promote practical cooperation in economy, trade and investment, and expand bilateral cooperation in the fields of agriculture, the environment, science-technology, and health.

He said the two sides should effectively deploy cooperation plans within the ‘Two Corridors, One Belt’ framework and the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, build a stable regional supply chain and production chain, strengthen cooperation in State-owned enterprise sectors, and encourage the use of the local currency in bilateral trade transactions.

China is ready to expand the import of goods, especially high-quality agricultural products from Vietnam, and at the same time encourage its businesses to increase high-quality investment in Vietnam, he assured his host.

Thuong for his part affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to relations with China and that developing relations with China is always a strategic choice and top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy.

He said the Vietnam – China relationship that has stood the test of time for the past decades is a valuable asset of both peoples, that needs to be preserved and continuously promoted by present and future generations.

He also concurred with the Chinese president’s proposal to increase people-to-people exchanges, especially among young people, to promote mutual understanding and to learn about the traditional friendship between the two countries.

The two presidents welcomed the success of the December 12 talks between the two countries’ Party General Secretaries, during which the top leaders identified a new position of Vietnam-China relations and six pillars of cooperation.

Exchanging views on maritime issues, both host and guest agreed that the two countries should continue to work closely together to maintain peace and stability at sea.

In this regard, Thuong proposed that the two sides stick to peaceful measures in handling disagreements in accordance with international law and high-level perceptions; adequately control and resolve disputes; continue to coordinate closely with ASEAN in fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and reaching an effective and substantive Code of Conduct COC) in the regional waters, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and coordination at multilateral forums, contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the region and the wider world.

After the talks, President Vo Van Thuong and his wife held a solemn banquet in honor of General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and his wife along with a high-ranking Chinese delegation.