Beijing (VNA) – Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on August 14 held talks with member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, on the sidelines of the 10th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Yunnan, China.

During the talks, both sides underlined the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations in the time ahead.

Son proposed that the sides continue to coordinate in promoting and well organising high-level delegation exchanges and activities, deepen substantive cooperation in defence and security, and improve the quality and effectiveness of cooperation in various fields, with top priority given to railway cooperation, including the groundbreaking of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong route this year. It is also necessary to further promote balanced and sustainable trade growth, to cooperate in investing in large-scale, symbolic projects of bilateral ties, and to foster sci-tech cooperation as a new highlight.

The Vietnamese official also expressed his wish for both sides to enhance exchanges and mutual support in multilateral frameworks. He affirmed that Vietnam values the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation (MLC), appreciated China’s contributions and the joint efforts of Mekong countries over the past decade, and suggested that parties focus on strengthening sustainable and effective management of Mekong–Lancang water resources.

Wang stated that China is ready to work closely to effectively implement high-level common perceptions, with a focus on promoting high-level exchanges in the near future. He said China is willing to boost economic and trade cooperation, expand the import of Vietnamese goods, strengthen transport infrastructure connectivity, increase high-quality investment, and expand cooperation in science and technology, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and power connectivity.

Appreciating Vietnam’s active contributions and important role in the MLC framework, the Chinese minister proposed that member countries, including Vietnam, enhance coordination toward another successful decade and raise Mekong–Lancang cooperation to new heights, expanding into new areas.

Regarding maritime issues, the two sides agreed to manage differences well and maintain peace and stability in the East Sea.

Son called on both sides to respect each other’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in maritime areas in the East Sea as defined in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); avoid unilateral actions that complicate the situation; properly handle fishing vessel and fishermen issues; and persistently resolve disputes and differences by peaceful means.

The two officials also exchanged views on a number of international and regional issues of shared concern.

On the same day, Son met Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane, during which he affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to and gives high priority to promoting the traditional friendship with Laos.

Thongsavanh Phomvihane said that Laos always treasures and preserves the special relationship with Vietnam and that the achievements Laos has attained in recent years have been made possible with Vietnam’s significant support and assistance.

The two ministers spoke highly of the strong development momentum in bilateral relations in recent years, while stressing the importance of maintaining regular high-level visits and meetings to promptly orient ties. They agreed to continue close coordination to prepare well for high-level activities and bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

The officials affirmed they will further promote bilateral cooperation mechanisms and make economic cooperation a real pillar of bilateral relations. Both sides committed to enhancing coordination and mutual support at international, regional, and sub-regional forums; and, together with other member countries, to maintaining solidarity and strengthening ASEAN’s centrality in effectively responding to common challenges.

Regarding cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao foreign ministries, they agreed to effectively implement the signed cooperation agreement, maintain ministerial-level political consultations and deputy minister-level political discussions, and strengthen exchanges, strategic studies, and regular interactions between their respective units./.