The three-day event, which concluded in Ho Chi Minh City on July 12, was described as "friendly, frankly and constructive." The two sides discussed a wide range of issues of mutual concern in an effort to broaden each other's views.

The Vietnamese Foreign Ministry said in a press release that the negotiations were based on high-level agreements under international law, especially the UN Convention of Marine Law in 1982 and the Declaration of (East Sea) Conduct (DOC).

The two sides agreed to work out a model for regional cooperation and mutual development. They also expressed satisfaction at the recent progress made in their bilateral ties and agreed to continue negotiations on less sensitive cooperative projects.

The two teams also exchanged views on sea issues and on measures to maintain order and stability on the sea so as to strengthen and promote the friendships between the two countries.

The minutes of the meeting was signed on July 12 in the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Vu Dung of Vietnam. China was chosen as the venue for the next round of high-level negotiations scheduled for late 2006.