The participants agreed that open and frank discussions with a high sense of responsibility will help enhance mutual trust between the two countries.

They underlined the necessity for both countries to address their issues together, including those left over from history and other outstanding ones relating to the border security and economic and trade relations.

Both sides agreed that the overall fine relationship between Vietnam and China has laid a firm foundation for them to improve bilateral ties. 

In terms of trade, China has become Vietnam ’s largest partner with bilateral trade turnover hovering around US$21 billion in 2008. 

Vietnam has become a more attractive destination for Chinese investors, said the delegates at the workshop. Socio-cultural links between the two nations as well as their cooperation at multilateral and inter-regional forums has become increasingly stronger.

Bilateral agreements regarding sea and land border demarcation show that solutions to complicated issues can be reached on the basis of friendship and cooperation.