Deputy Prime Minister meets Chinese FM in Cambodia

Phnom Penh (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi have agreed to effectively implement cooperation mechanisms between the two foreign ministries and optimize their active coordination role in promoting ties between the two Parties and countries.

The two FMs met on the sidelines of the second Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Mekong – Lancang Cooperation (MLC) held in Siem Reap, Cambodia from December 22-23.

Deputy PM Minh urged continued collaboration in effectively realising agreements and common perceptions of the two countries’ leaders, towards the healthy and stable development of Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

He asked China to facilitate upcoming high-level visits, take additional measures for more balanced bilateral trade and improve the scale and quality of China’s investment projects in Vietnam.

The Deputy PM also called for strengthening bilateral ties in agriculture, science-technology, climate change response, research on new rice varieties adaptable to drought and saline intrusion in the Mekong Delta, and establishing a mechanism on the exchange of nuclear safety information.

Speaking highly of the MLC mechanism, Minh suggested relevant agencies of Vietnam and China jointly study the impacts of hydropower dams and proper water release plans while strengthening the harmonious and sustainable use of Mekong River water resources.

On sea-related issues, the Deputy PM requested serious implementation of common perceptions of the two Parties and nations’ leaders, consistent settlement of the East Sea disputes by peaceful means in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as respect for diplomatic and legal process.

The Vietnamese official urged that the two sides well manage disputes, maintain peace and stability at sea, refrain from actions that complicate the situation and escalate disputes, fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and accelerate work towards completing a Code of Conduct in the East Sea next year.

Wang, for his part, agreed with the Deputy PM’s proposed measures to solidify ties, and vowed close coordination to prepare for visits next year.

On the fringes of the MLC meeting, Deputy PM Minh also met with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith.

They noted the significance of the annual consultation at foreign ministerial-level slated for Laos next year, which they said, would foster trust and effective cooperation between the two ministries in bilateral issues as well as regional and global cooperation mechanisms.

Both sides also agreed on thorough preparations for the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation next year./.