Party chief holds talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (R) and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands before their talks in Ha Noi on November 12, 2017. Photo: VGP

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made the statement at the talks with Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping in Ha Noi on November 12.

Party leader Trong affirmed Viet Nam attaches importance to and sincerely wishes to further strengthen the neighborly friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China in a stable and intensive manner.

He suggested both sides maintain regular high-level contacts and exchanges and improve the effectiveness of cooperation in order to contribute to enhancing political trust and direct the course of the bilateral ties.

The two countries need to promote the coordinating role of the Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation in supervising and speeding up the realization of signed agreements, especially those reached by their senior leaders and in settling timely differences in bilateral cooperation.

The two sides should beef up and improve the effectiveness of economic cooperation, expand investment and trade ties, and take effective measures to reduce Viet Nam’s trade deficit (with China), said Party chief Trong.

Regarding sea-related issues, Party leader Trong stressed that it is essential and beneficial to all parties, the region and the world to ensure sustainable peace and stability, reduce risks that may cause instability, and build trust.

All the relevant parties must exercise self-restraint, take no actions that may further complicate the situation or expand disputes, respect legitimate rights of each other, and focus on protecting peace and stability at sea.

Pary leader Trong urged the two sides to fully and fruitfully implement the Agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues signed between the two countries and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and soon start practical negotiations for an effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Chinese President Xi informed the host about the major outcomes of the 19th National Party Congress, confirming that the Party and Government of China attach to consolidating and enhancing the comprehensive strategic comprehensive partnership with Viet Nam.

After the talks, the pair witnessed the signing of 12 cooperative documents between the two countries.

The same day, NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan met with Chinese President Xi who is on a two-day State visit to Viet Nam after touring to Da Nang City for the 2017 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week.