President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Chinese Minister of National Defence Wei Fenghe in Hanoi on April 26, 2021. (Photo: VNA)

Mr. Phuc made the statement while receiving visiting Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe in Hanoi, noting that Vietnam backs China’s development and more active and substantial contributions to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

President Phuc stressed that amidst complicated developments of COVID-19, both nations have controlled the pandemic and facilitated two-way trade, helping it reach a record high of 133 billion USD in 2020, a year-on-year increase of 14 percent.

Minister Wei said his delegation’s trip to Vietnam reflects the importance that the Chinese Party and State attach to relations with Vietnam, and it also aims to strengthen the two armies’ multifaceted ties in an increasingly substantive manner.

Regarding the results of his earlier talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Phan Van Giang, Mr. Wei said the two sides agreed on many aspects so as to help foster the friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Vietnam and China.