During the forum, Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo affirmed the outcomes of this forum at a reception for Vietnamese and Chinese delegates to the forum.

He said the two countries’ leaders have paid visits and held talks to promote the constant development of the two countries’ bilateral relations.

He said he hopes both sides will maintain correct orientations for the development of the relations under suggestions by Chinese State President Hu Jintao during his meeting with Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang on the sidelines of the recent APEC summit in Russia.

At the forum, delegates analysed the two countries’ bilateral relations over the past 20 years, especially recent developments and proposed measures to enhance the friendship between the two peoples.

In the context of complicated developments, Vietnam and China should increase exchange and enhance understanding, mutual trust and bilateral cooperation, they said.

They achieved a common perception that sea and island disputes need to be settled in a restraint and cautious way so as to avoid negative affecting peace, stability and the two countries’ friendship and cooperation.

The two sides should conduct peaceful negotiations and consultations to seek fundamental and long-term solutions on the basis of common perception reached between the two countries’ leaders and international law, they said.

They suggested both sides jointly maintain peace and stability in the East Sea pending the final decision.

Delegates expressed their wish that the two countries’ leaders will maintain high-ranking visits and meetings, sectors and branches will increase exchange in various fields.

They proposed both sides increase information and communication activities on the development of Vietnam-China relations.