Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged Vietnam to deepen cooperation and promote the "traditional friendship" between the two countries during his meeting with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung in Beijing. Xi emphasized China's commitment to fostering relations with Vietnam, expressing the nation's willingness to enhance exchanges and cooperation across various sectors while properly managing differences.
According to Anadolu Agency, Xi reiterated China's significant interest in developing bilateral ties and highlighted the importance of promoting traditional friendship. Le Hoai Trung responded positively, expressing Vietnam's readiness to elevate their relationship to "a new height." This sentiment was echoed during Le's meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who called for "close unity" with Vietnam to support the international system.
Wang Yi emphasized the need for both nations to collaborate closely, prioritizing both development and security. He stressed the importance of defending the international system, with the United Nations at its core, and upholding the international order based on international law. Wang also highlighted the importance of safeguarding the legitimate rights and shared interests of the Global South, aiming to act as forces of peace, stability, and development amid global changes.
During their discussions, Wang and Le addressed the implementation of high-level agreements and regional and global issues of mutual concern. They pledged to strengthen multilateral coordination and contribute responsibly to peace, cooperation, and development. Le also outlined the Communist Party of Vietnam's renewed foreign policy, emphasizing "self-strengthening" as a key principle.
The Vietnamese government statement noted that diplomacy and international integration are now considered "key and regular" tasks, on par with national defense and security. Le proposed enhancing cooperation in emerging priority areas such as science, technology, and innovation, as well as accelerating transport connectivity, particularly in railway links.