Visit by Chinese Defence Minister believed to further enhance bilateral ties

During a reception held on April 26 in Hanoi for the Chinese guest and his high-ranking military delegation, the Vietnamese State leader applauded the outcomes of recent talks between the Vietnamese and Chinese ministers of national defence.

Indeed, successful co-operation between the two armies will serve to further enhance the stable and time-honoured friendship that exists between the two Parties and both countries. This includes the relationship between the two defence ministries, for the sake of the people of each country, and for the causes of peace, stability, co-operation, and development in each nation, along with the region and the wider world as a whole.

Minister Wei stated that his delegation’s visit to the country shows the Chinese Party and State place importance on relations with Vietnam, with the aim to enhance ties between the two armies in a substantive way.

With regard to the outcomes of his talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Sen. Lt. Gen. Phan Van Giang, the Chinese Minister said the two sides agreed upon many aspects of co-operation in order to help foster the friendship and comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership between the countries.

Both nations share many similarities, whilst plenty of achievements have been recorded in bilateral relations, including ties between both defence ministries.

Furthermore, the two countries boast special and time-tested relations which must be further treasured and brought into play moving forward, he said, voicing his belief that the nation will be able to record even greater successes in terms of socio-economic development.

President Phuc also congratulated China on its socio-economic achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.

The President outlined that the two countries’ Party and State leaders have been able to maintain exchanges and have therefore achieved important milestones.

The nation also places great importance on developing a comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership with China in a healthy, stable, sustainable, and long-term manner. The country is therefore keen on mutually-beneficial co-operation, he stated, adding that the Vietnamese side backs China’s development and active and substantial contributions to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world as a whole.

The Vietnamese State leader acknowledged and expressed great appreciation for the development of relations between the ministries of each side, along with their respective sectors and localities, which has brought about benefits to each side, especially in provinces along the shared border.

He welcomes the comprehensive development of bilateral defence co-operation which has contributed to mutual relations, citing this as an example of the successful organisation of defence dialogue activities.

President Phuc also emphasized that amidst complicated developments relating to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, both nations have competently controlled the pandemic and facilitated two-way trade. This has served to help trade reach a record high of US$133 billion in 2020, an annual rise of 14%.

The Vietnamese President suggested that both sides implement more measures aimed at boosting trade growth in the near future.

President Phuc also expressed his hope that the armies of both sides will continue to build strategic trust, whilst working together to ensure defence co-operation remains a pillar of bilateral relations. This is along with implementing signed co-operation documents and existing mechanisms both fully and effectively.

It is essential to boost collaboration between the armies’ political agencies and ramp up communication work on bilateral friendships and traditions to prevent hostile forces from undermining mutual ties.

President Phuc also hailed the determination of the two ministries to create a peaceful atmosphere between the two countries, in particular in the East Sea. He affirmed that substantial co-operation and the maintenance of a peaceful environment on the sea serve as favourable conditions for competent agencies to conduct dialogues and handle existing issues, especially those relating to the sea.

He also used the occasion to convey his thanks to Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping for extending congratulations on his election as the State President of Vietnam.