President Vo Van Thuong (L) meets Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China Zhao Leji in Beijing on October 17, 2023.

President Thuong is currently on a visit  to China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).

Chairman Zhao stressed that the friendly relationship with Vietnam is always valued by the Chinese Party, Government, and people, and is a top priority in China's neighboring diplomacy.

President Thuong proposed both sides increase all-level contacts, strengthen political trust and improve the quality and efficiency of their cooperation in all areas with a focus on promoting balanced and sustainable trade growth.

He asked China to increase the import of Vietnamese goods, particularly farm produce, and promote investment cooperation and multi-modal transport connectivity with Vietnam. The leader also recommended enhancing people-to-people exchanges, with an emphasis on cultural exchange and tourism cooperation.  

Chairman Zhao suggested both sides deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, with the strategic connectivity between the Two Corridors, One Belt framework and the Belt and Road Initiative as the top priority. It is also necessary to promote economic and trade ties, infrastructure development, and people-to-people exchanges to achieve greater results, he noted.

Vietnamese and Chinese leaders discuss ways to enhance relations between the two countries, October 17, 2023.

Mr. Thuong called on the National Assembly of Vietnam and the NPC to expand exchanges, cooperation, and experience sharing in law building, supervision, anti-corruption, and the development and improvement of socialist rule-of-law states. 

Regarding maritime issues, the leaders agreed to carry out the high-level common perception and properly control and address differences, contributing to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

President Thuong said that both sides should respect each other's legitimate interests, abide by international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and avoid allowing maritime issues to affect the bilateral relationship.