Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao affirmed this at a reception for Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Nanning city of Guangxi province on October 20.

Premier Wen said the participation of many Vietnamese businesses in the expo indicates Vietnam’s economic achievements and successful integration into the region.

China has been Vietnam’s biggest trade partner recently, he said, adding that boosting bilateral economic and trade cooperation will benefit both peoples.

Deputy PM Phuc congratulated China on its outstanding achievements, saying not only has the country become the world’s second biggest economy, but it has contributed to peace, stability, and regional and global prosperity.

He lauded China’s careful preparation for CAEXPO, which he said is a good chance to boost ASEAN-China strategic partnership.

Both sides expressed their delight at the development of the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties and countries. They highly appreciated the outcomes of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s recent visit to China, which will help promote the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

They pledged to strictly implement the agreements signed by the two countries’ leaders, especially maintaining high-ranking visits, enhancing coordination, expanding cooperation between ministries and localities, effectively implementing the Vietnam-China five-year cooperation program in economics and trade, and speeding up projects within the framework of the “two corridors, one economic belt” program.

Premier Wen and Deputy PM Phuc underlined the signing of an agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues, saying it will be a firm foundation for both countries to settle the disputes.

They expressed their belief that in the spirit of comradeship, for mutual benefit, in compliance with international law, and through peaceful negotiations, China and Vietnam will be able to find satisfactory solutions for East Sea issues, contributing to peace, stability, and cooperation in the region and the world.

On the occasion, Deputy PM Phuc conveyed best wishes from PM Nguyen Tan Dung to Premier Wen Jiabao and invited him to visit Vietnam.

The Chinese leader also sent his best wishes to his Vietnamese counterpart and said he hopes to visit Vietnam in the future.