Mr Dung made the statement at a January 29 meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

The two expressed their delight at the fine development of friendship and comprehensive cooperation between their countries. A variety of activities have been held to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-China diplomatic ties, starting Vietnam-China Friendship Year 2010.

Vice Premier Li said cooperation in several areas has been developing steadily in depth and scope, bringing practical benefits to both societies. Vietnam is one of China’s key partners and their continued cooperation is of utmost importance to peace, stability and prosperity of the region.

In that spirit, both leaders agreed to continue organising joint activities during the friendship year and to schedule more meetings and exchanges between ministries, sectors and localities of the two countries.

They agreed to sign a five-year plan for joint economic and trade development. Mr Li said China is determined to maintain steady economic growth and raise the trade turnover between Vietnam and China to US$25 billion in 2010. China is ready to create hospitable business conditions in autonomous and southern localities to boost trade and cooperation with Vietnam’s border areas, said Mr Li.

The two leaders expressed their belief that with the adoption of a comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership, sea-related issues will be finally resolved in line with international law, meeting aspirations and interests of the two peoples for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.