Journalist Qiao Jun. VNA photo

BEIJING - The official visit to Việt Nam from October 12-14 by Premier Li Qiang not only continues the high-level exchanges between China and Việt Nam, but also marks a new starting point for future cooperation between the two countries, according to journalist Qiao Jun, an expert on Việt Nam at China Media Group (CMG).

Li’s trip takes place in the context that China and Việt Nam are to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025, and the building of a Việt Nam-China community with a shared future which carries strategic significance will be elevated to a new level, Qiao said.

It is of important significance in further deepening the building of the Việt Nam-China community with a shared future, as this is the first visit to Việt Nam by the premier since he assumed office in March 2023.

During his stay Hà Nội, Li will meet with Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm, hold talks with Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, and meet with National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn.

The two sides will exchange views on many important issues, with focus on implementing the key common perceptions achieved by the highest leaders of the two countries and further promoting the building of a Việt Nam-China community with a shared future.

Qiao said that during this visit, railway cooperation might remain a key focus, with the two sides promoting collaboration to soon implement railway projects such as Lào Cai – Hà Nội– Hải Phòng, Lạng Sơn – Hà Nội, and Móng Cái – Hạ Long – Hà Nội. For Việt Nam, the completion of these projects would significantly improve domestic transportation infrastructure, reduce logistics costs, boost trade with China, and provide strong momentum for the development of Việt Nam's economy.

Additionally, the two sides would actively discuss and expand cooperation and connectivity between the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative and the ‘Two Corridors, One Belt’ framework; accelerate the establishment of 'hard connectivity' through railways, roads, and border gates, while enhancing 'soft connectivity' through smart customs, along with building a stable and secure industrial and supply chains. VNA/VNS