(VOVworld) – During a reception for Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Hong Xiaoyong on Thursday, President Tran Dai Quang said Vietnam always deems it important to continue its friendly neighborliness and comprehensive cooperation with China, considering it one of the top priorities of Vietnam’s foreign policy.

He said the two countries should hold more meetings between senior leaders, increase people-to-people exchanges, and strengthen communications to consolidate political trust. He said he hopes the Chinese embassy in Vietnam will help to connect both countries’ ministries and localities, contributing to bilateral economic and trade ties in a stable, sustainable, and balanced manner. He said both countries should implement agreements and common goals reached by their leaders including the agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues between Vietnam and China. President Quang said Vietnam and China should control differences, not complicate or expand their disputes, and settle their disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as well as quickly adopt a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). He said both countries should accelerate negotiations on maritime issues, contributing to the maintenance of peace and stability in the East Sea and the region.

The Chinese Ambassador congratulated President Quang on his election and said he hopes the President will contribute to bilateral friendly neighborliness and comprehensive cooperation. He said that China values its relations with Vietnam and wants to work closely with Vietnam in increasing visit exchanges, promoting practical cooperation, and deepening their comprehensive, strategic, and cooperative partnership in the years to come.