Chinese Premier Li Keqiang paid an official visit to Vietnam from October 13-15, 2013. This is the first by a high-ranking Chinese since China’s new leadership took office. This visit aimed at strengthening friendship and mutual understanding and deepening the Vietnam-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the new context.
During his stay in Vietnam, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang had talks with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung andmet with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Truong Tan Sang and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung. In the atmosphere of sincere, friendship and mutual understanding, the two sides exchanged views and came to a consensus on deepening the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new context and regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang extended condolences from the Chinese Party, State and people to Vietnam over the death of General Vo Nguyen Giap, an outstanding military leader and a close friend of the Chinese people.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung welcomes Chinese Premier Li Keqiang who pays an official visit to Vietnam. Photo: Duc Tam - VNA The official welcoming ceremony to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is held at the Presidential Palace.
The honour guard of the Vietnam People’s Army performs the rite of welcoming
theChinese Premier at the welcoming ceremony.Photo: Duc Tam – VNA
The talks between Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang. Photo: Duc Tam - VNA Two Prime Ministers witness the signing of cooperative documents between the two countries. Photo: Duc Tam - VNA
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan dung and his Chinese counterpart Li Kequang. Photo: Duc Tam – VNA
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong receives Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Photo: Thong Nhat - VNA State President Truong Tan Sang receives Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Photo: Nguyen Khang - VNA
National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung receives Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Photo: Nhan Giang – VNA
During their meetings, the two sides were unanimous that amid the current complicated development of the international economic and political situation, it will be in the essential interest of the two Parties, countries and peoples as well as benefit regional and international peace, stability and development, that the two sides increase strategic contacts, deepen result-orientated cooperation, satisfactorily settle existing problems, enhance coordination regarding international and regional issues, and promote the healthy and long-term stable development of relations between the two countries.
Both sides agreed that Vietnam and China who are neighbours and important partners are undergoing the important period of economic-social development cause. According to the common demands and benefits of the two countries, on the basis of equal and mutual benefit, the two sides reached common perception on measures to deepen the two countries’ comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with a focus on major fields, including politics, economics, trade, monetary, agriculture, science-technology, education, culture, sports, tourism, healthcare and particularly cooperation in the sea.
The two sides agreed to exercise tight control of maritime disputes and not to make any move that can further complicate or extend disputes, making good use of the hotlines between the two Foreign Ministries and the two Agriculture Ministries to promptly and suitably deal with arising problems. At the same time, the two sides will continue to actively discuss and seek effective measures to control disputes and maintain the overall good relations between Vietnam and China and peace and stability in the East Sea.
The leaders agreed to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the East Sea, enhance trust, promote cooperation and work together to maintain peace and stability in the East Sea in the spirit and principles of the DOC and strive for an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea on the basis of consensus.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Chinese counterpart Premier Li Keqiang attend a Vietnam-China business exchange. Photo: Doan Tan - VNA Panoramic view of the Vietnam-China business exchange. Photo: Doan tan - VNA
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhat meet with representatives of youth
from both China and Vietnam at Vietnam National University in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Doan Tan – VNA
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang addresses the meeting. Photo: Doan Tan - VNA Chinese Premier Li Keqiang lays a wreath at President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Photo: Duong Giang - VNA
In terms of economics and trade, the two sides agreed to promote mutually-beneficial cooperation in various domains, especially economics and trade towards lifting two -way trade to 60 billion USD by 2015. They also agreed upon measures to sustain trade balance, expand financial and monetary links and foster resilience to financial risks. On the occasion, the two sides signed many important cooperative documents.
During his stay in Vietnam, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with representatives of youth from both China and Vietnam at Vietnam National University in Hanoi, Vietnam, attended a party held by the Vietnam-China Business and laid a wreath at President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Since 2004, China has been the leading trade partner of Vietnam. In 2012, the total trade turnover reached 41.2 billion USD. In the first eight months of 2013, the bilateral trade volume reached 31.8 billion USD. Up to August 2013, China has 934 projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of 4.79 billion USD, ranking 13th among 101nations and territories having investment in Vietnam. At present, there are more than 13,500 Vietnamese students in China and 3,500 Chinese students in Vietnam.
Story: VNP – Photo: VNA