(VOVWORLD) -Vietnam treasures the traditional friendly neighborliness and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China, considering it a strategic choice and top priority in the country's external policy, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA) |
During a reception Hanoi on Tuesday for Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo, the Prime Minister stressed that Vietnam consistently pursues the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization and diversification of ties, proactive and active international integration, and being a responsible member of the international community. Vietnam does not ally with one country to fight the other, he said.
According to the Prime Minister, in the current context, the two sides need to prioritize cooperation in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. He thanked the Chinese Government for donating an additional 2 million doses of vaccines to Vietnam, affirming that this support shows the spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance in difficult times. He said he hopes that China will continue offering vaccines, transfer vaccine production technology and COVID-19 medicines, exchange medical experts, and share treatment regimens and experience in disease prevention with Vietnam.
Prime Minister Chinh suggested dealing with trade deficit faced by Vietnam and expected that China will facilitate customs clearance, import more Vietnamese goods as well as tackle difficulties in several projects.
The two sides need to strive to maintain peace and stability, satisfactorily settle disagreements at sea in the spirit of high-level common perceptions, the Agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues and abide by international law, Mr. Chinh said.
He added that the two countries need to partner with ASEAN to fully and seriously implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), as well as step up negotiations on an effective and practical Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
Ambassador Xiong said the Chinese Party and Government attach great importance to relations with Vietnam, adding that China is willing to consider continuing to provide vaccines for Vietnam. China wishes to work with Vietnam to well control disagreements and properly handle issues at sea according to high-level common perceptions, according to the Ambassador.