President Truong Tan Sang and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping discussed deepening the Vietnam – China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in a meeting in Beijing, China on November 10 on the sidelines of the 22nd Summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum.

He told his host that top priority should be given to developing ties between the two Parties and countries, including increasing mutual understanding and trust while respecting each other’s legitimate interests and implementing commitments reached in the past.

President Truong Tan Sang suggested continuing to facilitate visits by senior leaders and exchanges between ministries and localities, with a focus on interactions between the two people to mark the 65th anniversary of Vietnam – China diplomatic ties next year.

With regard to the East Sea issue, he proposed addressing differences via negotiations and open talks based on common perception and agreements already reached by Vietnamese and Chinese leaders.

Both sides need to maintain peace, stability, security, maritime safety and freedom while controlling disagreements and preventing the emergence of issues that could damage bilateral ties, he said.

The guest asked for the negotiations on the demarcation of boundaries and development cooperation on the area off the Gulf of Tonkin to be accelerated.

Xi, on his part, reiterated the Chinese Party, State and people’s consistent commitment to fostering the friendship with Vietnam, adding that it was beneficial for peace, stability and development in the region.

Providing positive feedback on his guest’s proposals, Xi suggested increasing strategic and people-to-people exchanges, and settling disputes at sea amicably.

He assured his guest that China backed Vietnam’s role as host of the APEC Summit 2017 and hoped both countries would continue working together closely in the APEC mechanisms.-VNA