17-9-2023 (HANOI) Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang reaffirmed the paramount significance of their bilateral relationship, declaring it a priority in their respective foreign policies. This pivotal discussion took place during their meeting in China on Saturday, coinciding with the Vietnamese government leader’s participation in the 20th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) over the weekend.
Both Prime Ministers commended the substantial progress achieved in Vietnam-China relations over the preceding years, particularly following the visit of Vietnamese Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong to China in late October of the previous year.
Prime Minister Chinh underscored Vietnam’s commitment to cultivating a stable and robust friendship with China, acknowledging the Eastern Asian nation as a primary focus in Vietnam’s diplomatic strategy. In response, Prime Minister Li Qiang emphasized that China also regards its relationship with Vietnam as a top priority within its broader foreign policy concerning neighboring nations.
China expressed its support for Vietnam’s socialist development and demonstrated a willingness to collaborate further, fostering deeper bilateral ties. The discussions resulted in a mutual consensus to enhance delegations at all levels and strengthen their multifaceted partnership.
Both nations affirmed their commitment to close cooperation in regional and international forums, as well as the joint efforts to maintain peaceful and stable border and maritime regions.
Prime Minister Chinh proposed that China expedite the importation of Vietnamese agricultural and fishery products, facilitating the establishment of Vietnam’s trade promotion offices in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, and Haikou, Hainan Province.
Additionally, Prime Minister Chinh declared Vietnam’s readiness to create favorable conditions for Chinese businesses operating within the Southeast Asian nation. Vietnam prioritizes technology and large-scale projects that contribute to the welfare of its citizens and economic growth.
Both nations agreed to prioritize the development of transportation connections and border infrastructure, with a shared objective of constructing rail links in northern Vietnam to bolster the capacity of goods transportation.
The leaders also discussed the prospects of post-COVID-19 tourism recovery and vowed to expand their cooperation in this area.
Prime Minister Li Qiang assured Vietnam of China’s continued openness to Vietnamese products, particularly high-quality agricultural produce and fishery items. China pledged to intensify import and export activities between the two countries while enhancing border traffic infrastructure.
Furthermore, the Chinese government expressed its commitment to collaborating with Vietnamese authorities to strengthen supply chains and manufacturing.
China encourages its citizens to visit Vietnam and supports the launch of additional air services connecting the two countries, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people ties in bolstering bilateral relations.
