In a solemn atmosphere, the Prime Minister of Vietnam and the Prime Minister of China walked forward to salute the national flags of the two countries - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

This is the first official visit to Vietnam by Chinese Premier Li Qiang in his new position and the first visit by a Chinese Premier to Vietnam in 11 years.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Qiang review the Guard of Honor of the Vietnam People's Army - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The visit takes place at a time of special significance for bilateral relations, as the two countries look towards the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations and right after important visits by high-ranking leaders of both sides.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Vietnam is of great significance, continuing to develop the relationship between the two Parties and countries in depth, substance and comprehensiveness, meeting the aspirations and common interests of the people of the two countries, for peace, cooperation and development of the region and the world.

When the motorcade carrying the Chinese delegation entered the Presidential Palace, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh welcomed Prime Minister Li Qiang in a warm and sincere atmosphere. Prime Minister Li Qiang received a bouquet of fresh flowers from the capital's students.

The two leaders walked on the red carpet to the sound of children waving their national flags. When the two leaders stepped onto the podium, the national anthems of the two countries were played. In a solemn atmosphere, the Prime Minister of Vietnam and the Prime Minister of China walked forward to salute the national flags of the two countries.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh invited Prime Minister Ly Cuong to inspect the Guard of Honour of the Vietnam People's Army. The two Prime Ministers introduced members of the high-ranking delegations of the two countries and witnessed the welcoming parade of the Guard of Honour of the Vietnam People's Army.

Immediately after the welcoming ceremony, the two Prime Ministers moved to the Government Office to visit the photo exhibition about the country, people, and good relations between Vietnam and China, organized by the Government Office in coordination with the Vietnam News Agency.

Immediately after the welcoming ceremony, the two Prime Ministers moved to the Government Headquarters to visit the photo exhibition about the country, people, and good relations between Vietnam and China.

Afterwards, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Prime Minister Li Cuong led high-ranking delegations of the two countries to hold talks.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Earlier, on the afternoon of October 12, right after arriving in Hanoi, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with General Secretary and President To Lam. During the visit, Premier Li Qiang will also meet with National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man; and join Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in attending the Vietnam-China Business Forum and a number of other important activities.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Qiang hold talks

Over the past year, senior leaders of the two Parties and countries, Vietnam and China, have regularly visited each other. In December 2023, General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Vietnam; in August 2024, General Secretary and President To Lam paid a state visit to China; in June 2024, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the WEF Dalian and worked in China.

China was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam on January 18, 1950. The two countries established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2008.

China has consistently been Vietnam's largest trading partner and Vietnam's second largest export market. Vietnam is China's largest trading partner in ASEAN and China's fifth largest trading partner in the world.

Total trade turnover between the two countries in 2023 will reach 171.9 billion USD; in the first 8 months of 2024, it will reach 130.78 billion USD, an increase of 25% over the same period.

China's investment in Vietnam in 2023 reached 4.47 billion USD with 707 projects, making it the 4th largest investor in Vietnam in terms of registered capital and the largest in terms of number of projects.

Accumulated to August 2024, China invested 29 billion USD in Vietnam, ranking 6th out of 148 countries and territories investing in Vietnam with more than 4,800 projects.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Vietnam aims to continue implementing the common understanding reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and two countries in recent times, exchanging specific measures to promote the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the Vietnam-China Community of Shared Future to enter a new stage of development, achieving more substantial results./.

According to baochinhphu.vn