During the meeting, the two leaders vowed to cement and advance the two countries' traditional friendship forged during the revolutionary era, and augment cooperation in aspects ranging from economic exchanges, development strategies, party-to-party ties and coordination on international affairs.
The two neighboring countries, linked by mountains and rivers, have become a community of common destiny with strategic importance, said Xi.
Trong echoed Xi's remarks, stressing the geographic closeness of the two countries and the benefits of working together and enhancing exchanges.
What is most important for the two leaders is not discussing specific issues, but to point out the future direction for bilateral ties from a strategic perspective, said Nguyen Huy Qui, a longtime China observer and a former researcher with the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences.
After their talks, Xi witnessed with Trong the signing of a host of agreements on such subjects as party-to-party cooperation, infrastructure, economy, energy and culture.
He also met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.
WARMING TIES
Xi's visit culminates a year of frequent high-level exchanges, as the two countries have seen warmer ties after relations sank to a low point last year due to their South China Sea row.
"This year marks the 65th year since the two countries established diplomatic relations," said Do Tien Sam, chief editor of Chinese Studies Review, a publication with the Institute of Chinese Studies at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences.
He noted that Trong paid a visit to China earlier this year, and President Truong Tan Sang also traveled to Beijing in early September for China's V-Day commemorations.
Xi's visit is a clear demonstration that the leaders of both countries attach paramount importance to bilateral ties, he said, noting that peace, stability and development are the genuine expectations of both peoples.
In their talks, both Xi and Trong stressed the importance of maritime cooperation, saying both countries need to properly manage their differences in this area and highlight common interests.
Qui said although bilateral relations have been affected by disputes in South China Sea, the fundamentals of China-Vietnam relations are sound, and Xi's visit is important to stabilizing the relationship.
"This visit marks both the heritage of the traditional bilateral friendship, and the resolution to create a better future for both peoples," said Xu Liping, a senior research fellow with the National Institute of International Strategy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
Xi is due to meet with Truong and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung on Friday, and he will address the National Assembly of Vietnam on further promoting China-Vietnam relations.
Vietnam is the first leg of Xi's two-nation Asia tour, which will also take him to Singapore.
