Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem and Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi reached a consensus during their talks in Hanoi on April 23.

Both sides praised recent positive progress in their border demarcation and landmark planting and decided to accelerate the work and fulfill preparations for the signing of a new treaty on border management in 2008 as agreed upon by senior leaders of the two nations, thus building the common border area into one of peace, friendship and long-lasting stability.

Vietnam and China agreed to accelerate negotiations on the demarcation of territorial waters surrounding the Tonkin Gulf as well as East Sea-related issues, and strictly implement high-level agreements in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

The two foreign ministers reviewed recent developments in the bilateral friendly and cooperative ties, and discuss measures to beef up relations between Vietnam and China, and the two countries’ Ministries for Foreign Affairs as well.

Host and guest held that the relationship between the two Parties and States is developing fruitfully in all fields and that agreements reached at the second meeting the Steering Committee for Vietnam-China Cooperation convened in January 2008 have been effectively carried out.

They appreciated the exchange of visits and meetings by high-ranking Party and State leaders to boost bilateral ties under the motto of “Friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability and looking towards the future” and the spirit of “Good neighbours, good friends, good comrades and good partners”, aiming to tackle remaining issues and increase mutual understanding.

The officials noted with pleasure rapid growth in bilateral economic and commercial ties in the recent past, stressing that relevant ministries, sectors and localities need to speed up the tempo of joint projects, particularly those within the “Two corridors, one economic belt” scheme.

While affirming the importance of the Beijing Olympics, the Vietnamese side pledged to well organise the Olympic torch relay in Ho Chi Minh City. The Chinese side thanked Vietnam for careful preparations for the event, saying the successful torch relay will contribute to the success of the Olympic Games.

On the April 23 evening, Deputy PM-cum-Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem hosted a banquet in honour of Minister Yang Jiechi.