HANOI, Vietnam: Vietnam’s Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vu, called for increased high-level contacts and cooperation between Vietnam and China during a meeting with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong in Hanoi.
Both officials expressed their appreciation for the positive development of Vietnam-China relations, particularly following Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s official visit to China in October-November 2022.
They reaffirmed their commitment to implementing agreements reached by high-level leaders of both countries, preparing for the 15th meeting of the Steering Committee for Vietnam-China bilateral cooperation, and enhancing collaboration in practical ways.
Vu proposed organizing exchanges and contacts at all levels and urged China to expand imports of Vietnamese agro-aquatic products. He also requested the announcement of market openings for specific Vietnamese fruits and the establishment of Vietnam’s trade promotion offices in China. The two nations discussed accelerating transport infrastructure connectivity, resolving project bottlenecks, and advancing projects with non-refundable aid.
Tourism cooperation, including the pilot opening of Ban Gioc – Detian Waterfalls, was highlighted. Nong Rong affirmed China’s commitment to cooperation recommendations from Vietnam and expressed readiness to enhance high-level exchanges, restore pre-Covid-19 exchange and cooperation mechanisms, and strengthen specific and practical cooperation in various fields.
Regarding territorial and border issues, both sides emphasized strict implementation of agreements reached by high-level leaders to manage disagreements and maintain peace and stability at sea. Vu urged adherence to international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), to respect each other’s legitimate rights and interests and avoid actions that escalate disputes.
