China, Vietnam agree to deepen partnership

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang discussed the expansion of bilateral co-operation during talks held in Hanoi on October 13. Premier Li is in Vietnam on an official visit, scheduled to run from October 13-15.

At the outset of the meeting, PM Dung praised his counterpart's visit, calling it a contribution to the friendly and fruitful ties between the two Parties, countries and peoples.

Premier Li Keqiang described his visit as a demonstration of the Chinese Party and Government's resolve to deepen the traditional friendship and expand co-operation with Vietnam for the benefit of both nations.

On behalf of the Chinese Party, State and people, he extended condolences to the Vietnamese nation over the death of General Vo Nguyen Giap, an outstanding military leader and a close friend of the Chinese people.

The two leaders then discussed recent developments in the relations between the two countries, agreeing to five measures designed to enhance the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership.

Firstly, they agreed to continue regular visits and contact between leaders, ministries, departments and localities to enhance political trust between the two nations.

Secondly, co-operation in various fields is to be promoted actively - especially that in economics and trade - with the objective of lifting yearly two-way trade to US$60 billion by 2015. Measures will be taken to maintain the trade balance, expand financial and monetary alliances and create resilience to financial risks.

Working groups are also planned to promote co-operation on infrastructure and monetary policy.

For instance, the two countries are set to deploy key transport connectivity projects, working for the prompt onset of construction projects on highways linking Lang Son to Hanoi and Mong Cai to Ha Long, as well as for the completion of a study exploring the feasibility of a high-speed railway between Lao Cai and Hai Phong.

Thirdly, Vietnam and China will increase people-to-people exchanges, thus strengthening the social foundation for a closer friendship, and co-host the second youth festival later this year.

Fourthly, the two countries will work together to build a shared borderline of peace, stability and prosperity.

Finally, the two countries will enhance their co-ordination at regional and global forums for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and around the world.

On maritime issues, both host and guest agreed to abide by the common understanding of the two countries' Party and State leaders, seriously implementing the agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of these issues.

The two sides plan to make full use of the Government-level negotiation mechanism on territorial border coupled with consultations and peaceable negotiations to seek long-term solutions acceptable to all parties. In this spirit, the two sides agreed on the establishment of a working group on maritime co-operation under the framework of the governmental negotiation delegations on the Vietnam-China border.

The two leaders agreed to focus their energies on supporting existing negotiation mechanisms, accelerating the progress of working groups on waters off the mouth of the Tonkin Gulf and on fostering co-operation on less sensitive issues.

The two sides agreed to exercise tight control of maritime disputes, to prevent actions that could further complicate or extend disputes, and to make effective use of the hotlines between the two Foreign Ministries and the two Agriculture Ministries should problems arise. At the same time, the two sides will continue active discussion to seek effective measures to control disputes and maintain good relations between Vietnam and China, ensuring peace and stability in the East Sea.

The two sides also agreed to the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the East Sea, and to work towards a consensus on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea.

As the talks drew to a close, Premier Li invited PM Dung to visit China. The Government leader accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Following the meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a series of documents on bilateral co-operation, including an agreement on opening trade promotion agencies in each country and a joint project on researching environmental management of the sea and islands in the Tonkin Gulf.

PM Dung and his Chinese counterpart later met held a press conference to discuss the outcomes of their talks.

(Source: Nhandannewspaperonline)