Talks to begin soon on East Sea conduct

HA NOI (VNS) — Viet Nam hopes ASEAN and China can soon start official negotiations on a Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (COC), which will contribute to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Luong Thanh Nghi said while responding to questions on Viet Nam's viewpoints over Indonesia's draft COC at the ministry's regular press briefing in Ha Noi on October 25.

Nghi also said that ASEAN has been accelerating official consultations between ASEAN and China for the building of a COC. ASEAN Foreign Ministers approved all the necessary documents in July. Indonesia has made a draft with more specific and detailed contents, Nghi said, which ASEAN countries will continue to discuss.

At the press briefing, the spokesperson also announced that Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev would visit Viet Nam from November 6-7.

Nghi said this would be a particularly important visit given that the two countries have lifted their relationship to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

It is expected that the two sides will discuss measures to further enhance their ties as well as international and regional issues of mutual concern. — VNS