PM Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (right) talks to the UK's Prince Andrew. – VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

BANGKOK – Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc had separate meetings with leaders of Laos, Cambodia, China and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with Prince Andrew of the UK in Bangkok on Sunday.

The events took place at the ongoing 35th ASEAN Summit and related summits in Thailand.

At the working session with Lao PM Thongloun Sisoulith and Cambodian PM Samdech Hun Sen, PM Phúc highly valued the development of the traditional neighbourliness, friendship, comprehensive cooperation and close-knit relations among the three countries.
He asked the three countries to promote strategies and programmes on cooperation and connectivity among them, in the Mekong sub-region, as well as with other partners. He expressed his hope that they will support one another to maintain peace, stability, independence and self-reliance and develop their economies.
The three PMs discussed priorities in terms of connectivity, sustainable development, trade and investment promotion, and improvement of people’s living standards in the Cambodia-Laos-Việt Nam Development Triangle Area.
At another meeting, both PM Phúc and Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang emphasised that Việt Nam and China attach great importance to promoting the stable and sustainable development of the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
They also agreed on measures to advance the two countries’ relations in 2020 when bilateral diplomatic ties turn 70, stressing that delegation exchanges at all levels will be organised.
Premier Li wished Việt Nam success when it will serve as ASEAN Chair in 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2020-21. He added that China hopes to step up multilateral cooperation with Việt Nam in the future.
Congratulating China on its enormous achievements over the last 70 years, especially after more than the four decades of reforms, PM Phúc affirmed that Việt Nam always treasures and wishes to intensify bilateral relations.
He also spoke highly of certain strides in their economic and trade links, asking China to continue taking measures and policies to address Việt Nam’s fast-growing trade deficit with it, further facilitate customs clearance at the countries’ pairs of border gates, and solve outstanding problems in cooperation projects.
The Chinese Premier also highlighted his country’s high respect for the relationship with Việt Nam, saying that it is ready to foster connections in many areas, particularly amid complex global developments.
China hopes to consolidate the traditional friendship, expand cooperation, deal with issues in bilateral economic, trade and investment ties, and make good use of mechanisms to bolster collaboration with Việt Nam, he said.
Regarding sea-related issues, PM Phúc proposed both sides work together to control differences well so as not to let them affect bilateral relations; firmly maintain a peaceful and stable environment in the region; and continue to seriously implement the common perceptions reached between the two Parties and countries’ leaders, along with the Việt Nam -China agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues.
He called on the two countries to persistently solve sea-related issues by peaceful means in line with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and appropriately handle issues relevant to fisheries and fishermen. He also asked China to respect Việt Nam’s normal economic activities at sea that are in conformity with international law.
PM Phúc reiterated that Việt Nam resolutely and persistently safeguards its sovereignty, territory, seas and islands in line with international law. It also believes that this issue will be solved properly.
The Chinese side affirmed the wish to control sea-related differences well and exercise self-restraint so as not to affect the two countries’ overall relations.
Meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, PM Phúc appreciated the support that Georgieva, the IMF, as well as the World Bank, have given to Việt Nam.
He asked the IMF to continue assisting the country to build development strategies, manage the macro-economy and modernise the governance of the economy.
Georgieva said the IMF considers Việt Nam an example of strong growth associated with sustainable development, poverty reduction, income raising and improvement of people’s living standards. It hopes that the country will push on with restructuring, reforming growth model, removing barriers, paying attention to quality-based growth, and dealing with climate change-related matters.
She added that the IMF pledges to cooperate effectively with Việt Nam and ASEAN in 2020, when Việt Nam will hold the ASEAN chairmanship.
At the meeting with Prince Andrew, Duke of York, PM Phúc highly valued and hoped for the prince’s further contributions to and support of the enhancement of the Việt Nam-UK strategic partnership, as well as Việt Nam’s development in different fields, including start-up promotion, technology application in business and production, environmental protection, and socio-economic development in localities.
Prince Andrew pledged to actively contribute to the two countries’ relations through concrete and practical actions, especially during Việt Nam’s chairmanship of ASEAN next year.
Also on Sunday, PM Phúc and his spouse attended the official banquet hosted by Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha and his spouse in honour of heads of delegations to the 35th ASEAN Summit and related summits. – VNS