HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc received Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is on an official visit to Việt Nam, in Hà Nội on November 3.

PM Phúc applauded the success of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), noting that amid the unpredictable regional and global situation, the stable development of Việt Nam – China relations will help maintain peace and stability, and promote co-operation and development in the region and the world.

He lauded the outcomes of bilateral co-operation in politics, diplomacy, defence, security, economy and trade, adding that co-operation between the two countries has yet to match potential, so both sides should step up ties and remove obstacles to bring about greater benefits.

PM Phúc called on China to promote balanced and sustainable growth of bilateral trade. China should facilitate the import of Vietnamese goods, while creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses and Việt Nam’s trade promotion office in China, he said.

China should increase investment in hi-tech and environmentally-friendly projects and ensure the progress of joint projects, particularly those which the two countries’ leaders have discussed, so as to promote Chinese investors’ prestige in Việt Nam, PM Phúc said.

The two sides should connect the “Belt and Road” initiative and the “Two Corridors and One Economic Belt” framework in line with each country’s interests and capacity, he added.

The Government leader asked the two countries to boost production capacity co-operation in fields matching their demand and strength and sign a framework agreement on building a Việt Nam – China cross-border economic co-operation area.

PM Phúc also proposed China provide optimal conditions for Việt Nam to access preferential loans while effectively carrying out its assistance packages for the nation.

The two countries should also enhance ties to cope with climate change, use cross-border water resources in a sustainable manner, sign a new rail transport agreement, and facilitate ties in aviation, he said.

Regarding maritime issues, the Vietnamese leader urged both sides to commit to implementing agreements reached by leaders of the two Parties and countries, including the Việt Nam – China agreement on basic principles guiding the implementation of sea-related issues.

He said that Việt Nam and China need to effectively manage disagreements, maintain peace and stability in the East Sea, actively promote negotiation mechanisms to achieve progress, and intensify mutual trust, creating a foundation for solving complicated issues.

He also told the two foreign ministries to co-ordinate to prepare for CPC General Secretary and President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to Việt Nam and his attendance of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Đà Nẵng next week.

For his part, Wang praised PM Phúc’s suggestions to bolster bilateral relations, adding that he will focus on the issues Việt Nam is interested in, particularly in terms of economy, trade and investment.

He affirmed that the Party, Government people of China attach great importance to the friendly ties and collaboration with Việt Nam.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry is ready to work with its Vietnamese counterpart to foster win-win co-operation in all fields, and manage and appropriately settle disagreements, thereby helping reinforce the two countries’ partnership in a healthy and stable manner, he stressed. — VNS