(VOVworld)-Vietnam and China discussed and agreed on key components of their cooperation to promote the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership at the 10th meeting of the Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation in Beijing on Monday. The meeting was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (L) and Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi (Photo: VNA)

The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination to prepare for visits and meetings of the two countries’ high-ranking leaders, bolster cooperation between the Parties and bring into play the two foreign ministries’ role in coordinating and stepping up bilateral ties. Vietnam and China will implement mechanisms for defence exchange and cooperation and intensify connections in security and law enforcement. Effective measures will be taken to balance trade, expand investment and promote the sustainable development of economic and trade relations with a focus on agriculture, forestry and fisheries. 

The two sides discussed marine issues in a straightforward manner, and agreed to observe important shared conceptions reached by their Party and government leaders as well as the Vietnam-China agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of marine issues. They agreed to push negotiation mechanisms regarding marine issues towards achieving substantial outcomes, comprehensively and effectively carry out the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), soon finalise a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), control sea disputes well, not to take actions that may complicate the situation or expand disputes, and maintain peace and stability in the East Sea.