In that spirit the Chinese Party and State leaders on that spirit welcomed the upcoming visits to China by President Nguyen Minh Triet and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong, Premier Wen said.

The Chinese government leader expressed his delight to see the unceasing development of the bilateral relationship in accordance with the slogan "friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability and future-oriented vision" defined by the two countries' leaders.

Mr Wen appreciated the establishment and first activities of the Steering Board on Bilateral Cooperation chaired by Deputy PM Khiem and Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan. He expressed his belief that the committee will help implement agreements reached in 2006 and make all necessary preparations for high-level visits in 2007.

Deputy Prime Minister Khiem hailed the Chinese side for suggesting effective measures to increase bilateral cooperation.

He agreed with the expansion of cultural cooperation, saying that it will help educate people, especially youngsters about the two countries' friendship.

Mr Khiem reiterated that the Vietnamese Party, Government and people always treasure comprehensive cooperation, friendship, and neighbourliness with China.

"The Vietnamese Party, Government and people will do their best to make the relations (with China) flourish to bring in practical benefits for both sides and contribute to peace, stability, and development of the region and the world," he said.

During the meeting, Deputy PM Khiem conveyed Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's invitation to Premier Wen to visit Vietnam, which was accepted by the Chinese leader.