Chinese Communist Party leader and President Hu Jintao held talks with Vietnamese Communist
Party leader Nong Duc Manh in Beijing on Tuesday.
They agreed to further boost trade, properly handle border
issues and enhance security cooperation.
Hu and Nong agreed to inherit and carry forward and enhance
their traditional friendship, develop mutual understanding, expand
mutual beneficial cooperation, promote common development and lift
bilateral all-round cooperation to new heights.
During their talks in the Great Hall of the People, Hu, also
general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central
Committee, put forward a five-point proposal to boost
Sino-Vietnamese relations.
He suggested Chinese and Vietnamese party and state leaders
maintain frequent visits, exchange views on important issues of
common concern, exchange experiences of party ruling and state
governance, and the theory and practice of socialism in a bid to
consolidate the political base of relations.
He asked the two countries to deepen trade and economic
cooperation in a reciprocal, mutual beneficial and win-win
spirit.
He urged the two countries to strengthen long-term cooperation
in such fields as energy, resource and communication, promote
regional cooperation and expand two-way trade.
China will support companies looking to invest in Vietnam and
will provide credit support for high-yield projects in terms of
economic and social benefit.
Hu also appealed the two countries to enhance exchange and
cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, public
and regional security, boost youth and cultural exchange, and
increase understanding and friendship between the two
peoples.?
On border and territory issues, Hu asked that the two sides
properly handle these applying a broad point of view and through
friendly consultation.
He also urged that inspection of the Sino-Vietnamese land border
be speeded up to meet scheduled completion by 2008, that talks on
maritime borders and joint development in the South China Sea be
continued maintaining the momentum of cooperation between China,
Vietnam and the Philippines in this respect.
Hu also made an appeal for China and Vietnam to enhance
coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues,
promote world peace and development.
In addition, Hu hailed their traditional friendship.
Further, Hu expressed his appreciation of Vietnam's adherence to
the one-China policy, opposition to "Taiwan Independence" and
support of China's peaceful reunification strive.
To further Sino-Vietnamese relations conforms with their common
aspiration and fundamental interests of the two peoples, and will
benefit the two countries' development and prosperity, Hu
noted.
Hu added that the Chinese party, government and people support
the reform of Vietnam under the leadership of the communist party
and in the socialism direction, and Vietnam's efforts towards
economic progress, social stability and improvement of the
international environment.
Nong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam
Central Committee (CPVCC), echoed Hu's points.
This is Nong's first overseas visit since his reelection as
general secretary in April.
Nong said such a visit indicated that the Vietnamese party,
government and people attach importance to and will strive to
deepen bilateral relations, mutual trust and all-round
cooperation.
Vietnam appreciates China's support and selfless assistance in
its national liberation and reunification efforts, and socialism
building drive, he said.
Nong hailed the improved cooperation with China after President
Hu's visit to Vietnam last year.
He spoke highly of China's contribution to international and
regional affairs, saying the Vietnam-China cooperation will benefit
the world and regional peace, stability and development.
Vietnam will adhere to the one-China policy, oppose to "Taiwan
Independence" in any form, and wishes for an early realization of
China's reunification, Nong said.
He also expressed his gratitude for China's assistance extended
to Vietnamese fishing boats and fishermen that were troubled by
Typhoon Chanchu in May. He also sent his condolences to Chinese who
are now battling with floods in South China.
He also hailed the leadership of the CPC and its successes,
which serves as encouragement to the Vietnamese party and
government.
The two leaders also exchanged views in depth on international
and regional issues. They officiated a signing ceremony for several
inter-governmental agreements after their talks.
Nong arrived in Beijing on Tuesday, marking the start of his
five-day official goodwill visit.
China has been Vietnam's biggest trade partner since 2004, with
trade exceeding US$8 billion in 2005.
The two sides expect to meet their annual trade target of US$10
billion this year, originally set to be reached by 2010.
(Xinhua News Agency August 23, 2006)
