China is a top priority in Vietnam's foreign policy.

On the afternoon of October 17, President Vo Van Thuong had a meeting with Mr. Trieu Lac Te, member of the Politburo Standing Committee, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China.

President Vo Van Thuong expressed his pleasure at visiting China, emphasizing that the purpose of the working trip, in addition to attending the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation at the invitation of General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, is to contribute to further concretizing and implementing the common understanding of the top leaders of the two Parties and two countries reached during the historic visit to China by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in late October 2022; through maintaining high-level exchanges and contacts, contributing to enhancing political trust and practical cooperation between the two countries.

President Vo Van Thuong and Mr. Trieu Lac Te, member of the Politburo Standing Committee, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China

VNA

The two leaders emphasized that Vietnam and China are two neighboring countries with a long-standing tradition of friendship; the friendship "both comrades and brothers" cultivated by President Ho Chi Minh, Chairman Mao Zedong, previous generations of leaders and the people of the two countries is an extremely valuable common asset of the two countries, which needs to be continuously inherited, preserved and promoted more strongly.

President Vo Van Thuong affirmed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam always consider building and developing good relations with the Party, Government and people of China as a strategic choice and top priority in Vietnam's foreign policy.

Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Zhao Leji affirmed that the friendly relationship with Vietnam has always been valued by the Party, Government and people of China, and has always been a priority direction in China's neighborly diplomacy.

Discussing measures to promote bilateral relations in the coming time, President Vo Van Thuong suggested that the two sides increase high-level and all-level contacts, consolidate political trust, improve the quality and effectiveness of cooperation in all fields, focusing on promoting balanced and sustainable trade growth; suggested that China increase imports of goods, especially agricultural products from Vietnam; promote investment cooperation and multimodal transport connectivity.

President Vo Van Thuong also suggested that the two sides increase people-to-people exchanges, focusing on cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation, to meet the needs of exchange and spiritual life of the people.

Appreciating the cooperation proposals of President Vo Van Thuong, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Zhao Leji affirmed that China hopes that the two sides will maintain high-level exchanges and contacts, together determine major cooperation directions in the relationship between the two Parties and the two countries in the coming time; further deepen mutually beneficial cooperation areas, in which the strategic connection between the "Two Corridors, One Belt" framework and the "Belt and Road" is the priority focus; promote economic, trade, infrastructure and people-to-people exchange cooperation to continue to achieve even greater results.

Regarding cooperation between the two countries' legislatures, President Vo Van Thuong proposed that the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Chinese National People's Congress   Expand exchanges, cooperation, and experience sharing in legislation, supervision, anti-corruption, building and perfecting a socialist rule-of-law state; promote the important role in building a favorable legal framework and urging and supervising agencies and localities of the two countries to implement cooperation agreements and arrangements; promote exchanges and understanding among people of all walks of life.

Appreciating the importance of cooperation between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Chinese National People's Congress, Mr. Trieu Le Te suggested that the two sides strengthen friendly exchanges, deepen cooperation between the two countries' legislative bodies, specialized committees, friendship parliamentarian groups and People's Councils at all levels; and closely and effectively coordinate at multilateral parliamentary forums.

Regarding maritime issues, the two sides agreed to effectively implement the common perception of high-ranking leaders, control and properly handle disagreements, contributing to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

President Vo Van Thuong suggested that both sides respect each other's legitimate and legal interests, comply with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and not let maritime issues affect bilateral relations and the feelings of the two peoples.

Thanhnien.vn