A high-level Vietnamese delegation led by State President Nguyen Minh Triet returned to Hanoi on May 18, concluding an official four-day visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao. 

Mr Triet talked about the results of the visit during an interview granted to VOV reporter Huy Nam who accompanied him to cover the event during the visit.

VOV: Could you brief us on the results of the visit?

Mr Triet: Vietnam and China reached basic agreements during their high-level talks. The two countries shared the same viewpoint, i.e. both are on the path to socialism under the leadership of their Communist Parties. Therefore, they want to strengthen cooperation to share experiences in socialist construction, Party building and other areas. Apart from political and diplomatic ties, the two sides stressed the need to enhance economic ties. Though bilateral economic cooperation has grown and flourished in recent years, it has still failed to match the potential. In fact, two-way trade value stands at a modest level at present. Therefore, both sides affirmed their strong determination to boost trade ties. In addition, there are great prospects for bilateral cooperation in investment, particularly Chinese investment in Vietnam. During the visit, Vietnamese and Chinese businesses signed economic deals, hitting a record high of nearly US$2.6 billion. This showed that the economic and trade ties between Vietnam and China are expected to make a big leap in the coming years.

VOV: A developed transport system will help promote the cooperation programme “Two Corridors, One Economic Belt”. What agreement did the two countries reach to improve the transport system in Vietnam?

Mr Triet: Alongside studying China’s experience, we reached agreements with China to cooperate with and expand Vietnam’s transport infrastructure system which links with China, particularly for the programme “Two Corridors, One Economic Belt”. China said it could provide credits for Vietnam to implement the transport project. A convenient transport system will not only facilitate Vietnam’s development but also trade exchanges between Vietnamese localities and southern Chinese localities.

VOV: What did the two sides do to resolve pending border issues?

Mr Triet: The two sides reached a high consensus on principles to resolve pending issues in the spirit of peace, friendship and cooperation, placing importance to the overall task, keeping calm and restraining oneself. In addition, leaders of the two countries should consult each other in dealing with the issues.

VOV: Thank you.