Top Chinese leader begins state visit to Vietnam

The trip comes following an invitation by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife, along with President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong and his spouse, according to the CPV Central Committee's Commission for External Relations.

This marks the third visit to Vietnam made by the Chinese General Secretary and President since the end of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in November, 2012, in his capacity as the Party General Secretary. It is a reciprocal visit following Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's visit to China last year and it marks the third mutual visit by leaders of the two Parties since 2015.

In a recent media interview given ahead of the visit, Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai said that the trip will help to deepen and advance the joint comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership.

According to information given by the Vietnamese diplomat, the visit from December 12 to December 13 takes place at a meaningful time as both nations are celebrating the 15th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership.

It will be a continuation of high-level exchange activities taking place between the two Parties and the two countries following the historic visit to China by Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong from October 30 to November 1, 2022.

The visit indicates the importance that the Chinese Party and State, as well as President Xi, attach to mutual relations, Ambassador Mai said.

During the visit, senior leaders of the two Parties and countries will hold in-depth discussions on major, comprehensive orientations aimed at deepening and solidifying the comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership; promote exchanges between senior leaders of the two Parties and countries to further consolidate political trust; and actively boost areas of collaboration as a contribution to bringing bilateral ties to a more substantive and effective stage of development. 

According to Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo, the visit presents a very important opportunity for leaders of both countries to maintain and intensify strategic exchanges in the new situation on the back of the solid foundation of the comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership over the past 15 years.

It is designed to determine the new position of bilateral relations in the new era, set a new direction for further development, and open up fresh prospects for co-operation in a multitude of fields.

It will add fresh impetus to the sustainable development of joint ties.