China, Vietnam should ward off interferences, strengthen co-op

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi met in Hanoi with Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam on Wednesday.

During their meeting, Yang said China and Vietnam are two neighboring countries with lots of common interests. Both of them are in the key stage of reform and development.

Amid the complicated situation in the region and the world, the two sides should ward off interferences, strengthen cooperation, and jointly seek development, Yang said.

China attaches great importance to its comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with Vietnam. Currently, the bilateral relations are facing serious difficulties resulting from the maritime issues. However, it is necessary to handle the issue as soon as possible, Yang said.

He said his visit to Vietnam was based on the strategic consideration of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government about and the great importance they attach to the China-Vietnam relations.

During his visit, Yang will work with Vietnam to seek the best solution to the maritime issues so as to bring the bilateral cooperation back to normal track as early as possible.

Yang fully explained China's principle and stance, stressing that both sides should take a responsible attitude towards history and for the two peoples, properly handling the maritime issues and jointly safeguarding the overall situation in their bilateral relations.

The two sides should adhere to path of bilateral communication to stabilize the situation quickly, Yang said.

He hope that the Vietnamese side can take practical actions and create favorable conditions for consultations and the restoration of normal cooperation.

For his part, Trong said Vietnam attaches great importance to the friendship between the two peoples and the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Maintaining, strengthening and developing relations between the two governments and two peoples are the top priority of Vietnam's diplomacy, said Trong.

Whatever the difficulties, Vietnam is willing to maintain contacts and communication with China, and make efforts to seek proper solution to the issues, Trong said, adding that these are the consistent stance of Vietnam.

Under the current situation, Yang's visit to Vietnam is very important, Trong said.

Vietnam appreciated Yang's visit and stands ready to conduct candid and honest communication with China, so as to properly resolve the maritime issues and manage the situation, he added.

Vietnam also hoped to continue implementing the consensus and agreements reached by the two sides, as well as to promote cooperation in all fields, he said.

Also on Wednesday, Yang met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, and exchanged views over the bilateral relations and maritime issues with him.