HÀ NỘI – General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyễn Phú Trọng on Wednesday hosted Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua, who is in Việt Nam to attend the World Economic Forum on ASEAN (WEF ASEAN 2018).

General Secretary Trọng congratulated Hu, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on being re-elected and re-appointed as Vice Premier of China’s State Council. Trọng shared his hope Hu will continue contributing to the growth of ties between the two countries and their parties.

He lauded progress in relations over the past few years, noting the increase in high-level meetings. There has also been increased exchange between sectors, localities, and youths on both sides.

Bilateral co-operation in trade, investment and tourism has also developed, he said.

He proposed the two sides continue to schedule high-level meetings, reinforce existing mechanisms and promote common perceptions of senior leaders from both countries. This includes settling issues at sea and working together to maintain peace and stability in the region’s waters. Trọng said both sides should manage differences and avoid actions that would further complicate the situation.

In response, Hu congratulated Việt Nam on successfully hosting the forum. He also praised achievements made under the leadership of the CPV.

He affirmed the Party, State and people of China value close relations with Việt Nam and are willing to work with the Vietnamese side to strengthen ties. Hu said the two sides share common views and aims.

China is ready to enhance the economic partnership by importing more Vietnamese goods, he said.

Hu agreed the two countries should continue high-level and meetings and face-to-face contact among young people. This will reinforce political trust, promote strategic connections and foster co-operation between ministries, sectors and localities to work toward developmenting the partnership between the two countries. – VNS