Fostering Vietnam-China strategic partnership
Vietnam and China will promote the exchange of high-ranking delegations and maintain close cooperation between the two Communist Parties.
The agreement was reached during talks in Hanoi on December 21 between Party Politburo member Le Hong Anh, State Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan and Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, who is paying an official visit to the country.
Mr Anh and Ms Doan spoke highly of Mr Xi Jinping’s visit, saying it will contribute to consolidating friendship between the two Parties, States, and peoples.
Both sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to boost the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership according to the motto, “friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability and looking toward the future” and the spirit of “good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, and good partners”.
They expressed their delight at each country’s achievements in the renewal process, as well as developments in bilateral relations. They agreed to grasp the result of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to China in October, contributing to consolidating mutual trust and expanding cooperation between the two sides in the future.
They also highlighted the result of the 7th Theoretical Workshop between the two parties and the implementation of the cooperation programme for the 2011-2015 period.
The two sides agreed to increase the role of the Steering Committee for Vietnam-China Bilateral Cooperation, and promote cooperation between their agencies and the exchange between peoples, especially young generations.
Vietnam and China aim to boost cooperation in economics, culture, health care, education-training, science-technology, and information and communications technology for mutual benefit, they said.
Regarding the East Sea issues, the Vietnamese side reaffirmed their willingness to coordinate with China in settling disputes through peaceful negotiations, on the basis of respecting each other’s legitimate interests and international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and for the sake of peace, stability, friendship, and cooperation in the region. They agreed to ask the two governments’ negotiating delegations to strictly implement the basic principles of settling sea issues between the two countries.
After the talks, both sides witnessed the signing of eight documents, including cooperation agreements on health care, foreign affairs information, and preferential credits for a steel ingot plant in Thanh Hoa province.
** On the same day, Mr Xi met with State President Truong Tan Sang, who reaffirmed that Vietnam always respects the friendly neighbourliness and cooperation with China, considering this top priority in its foreign policy.
Vietnam always considers China a reliable partner and friend, he said, adding that despite the complicated global situation, Vietnam and China should spare no effort to maintain the strong relationship, which was founded and nurtured by late Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Mao Zedong.
The State leader also expressed appreciation for China’s great assistance to Vietnam during its past struggle for national independence.
Mr Sang applauded the results of the talks between the Chinese Vice President and Politburo member Le Hong Anh and State Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan, saying they will boost mutual understanding and trust between the two countries.
He also sent best wishes to Chinese leaders and invited his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao to visit Vietnam.
Mr Xi conveyed the best regards of former President Jiang Zemin to Vietnamese leaders.
He also took the opportunity to extend President Hu Jintao’s invitation to visit China to President Sang in the near future.