Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Secretary General of the Steering Committee for Vietnam-China Bilateral Cooperation Nguyen Minh Vu held talks with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister and Secretary-General of the Steering Committee for China-Vietnam Bilateral Cooperation Sun Weidong on February 26 in Hanoi.

The meeting was held on the occasion of the Chinese diplomat’s visit to Vietnam for bilateral discussions and attendance at the ASEAN Future Forum.

In a friendly, open, and trustful atmosphere, the two officials held in-depth discussions, praising the stable and positive momentum in bilateral relations, especially following high-level visits, including the December 2023 trip to Vietnam by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President Xi Jinping and the August 2024 visit to China by General Secretary of the Commnist Party of Vietnam To Lam.

Both sides emphasized the important role of the Steering Committee for Vietnam-China Bilateral Cooperation-the highest-level exchange and cooperation mechanism between the two governments in coordinating and promoting overall bilateral cooperation. They also held substantive discussions on specific directions and measures to further boost ties between the two Parties and countries in accordance with the common perceptions of senior leaders.

Deputy FM Nguyen Minh Vu proposed that the two foreign ministries continue to intensify strategic exchanges and maintain regular high-level contacts. He called for the effective implementation of exchange and cooperation mechanisms between the governments, national assemblies, and front organizations while encouraging localities and sectors to expand exchanges and collaboration.

He also underscored the need to augment substantive cooperation, with a top priority on accelerating key railway projects connecting the two countries (Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong, Lang Son - Hanoi, and Mong Cai - Ha Long - Hai Phong), aiming to make railway cooperation a new growth driver and a new symbol of bilateral relations.

Vu urged China to further open its market to Vietnamese agricultural products and suggested measures to bolster cooperation in investment, finance, tourism, science and technology, education, culture, and sports. He also called for close coordination in launching a broad array of activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the Vietnam-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2025.

In response, Sun Weidong expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s cooperation proposals and affirmed that China would continue expanding imports of Vietnamese goods, including agricultural products. He also encouraged Chinese enterprises to increase investments and pledged active coordination with Vietnamese agencies to resolve obstacles in certain cooperative projects.

The Chinese diplomat suggested that both sides expedite the implementation of Chinese aid packages for Vietnam in healthcare, education, and livelihood improvement while continuing coordination within multilateral mechanisms.

The two sides also discussed cooperation between their foreign ministries, agreeing to effectively implement the Agreement on Strengthening Cooperation between the Two Ministries under new circumstances. They pledged to maintain regular high-level exchanges and departmental interactions while sharing experience in economic diplomacy to support national development.

Regarding border and territorial issues, both sides acknowledged effective cooperation in border management and protection, as well as socio-economic development in border areas. They consented to continue managing and safeguarding their shared land border in accordance with three legal documents on land border management and related agreements. They also committed to fast-tracking the upgrading and opening of new border gates, fostering a peaceful, stable, cooperative, and developed Vietnam-China border.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strictly implementing high-level common perceptions, effectively controlling differences, and maintaining peace and stability at sea.

Vu reiterated Vietnam’s consistent stance on handling disputes and differences in the East Sea through peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He called for regular negotiations and exchanges between the two countries on maritime issues and for the proper resolution of matters related to fishing vessels and fishermen.

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