Li Qiang Holds Talks with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh

On the morning of June 26, 2023, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council held talks at the Great Hall of the People with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh, who is on an official visit to China.

Li Qiang said that China and Vietnam enjoy a profound traditional friendship, converging interests and a shared future. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Vietnam. Under the guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the development of relations between the two parties and between the two countries has maintained sound momentum. In the face of the complex and turbulent international situation, we should attach greater importance to maintaining and developing good relations between the two countries, and work jointly to advance the socialist cause, build a closer community with a shared future, and bring our bilateral relations to a higher level from a new starting point, and inject more stability and positive energy to world peace and development.

Li Qiang pointed out that China is ready to promote strategic synergy with Vietnam, focuses on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, effectively use the mechanism of the China-Vietnam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, coordinate and promote cooperation in such fields as law enforcement and security, trade and investment, science, education, culture and health, and make the “pie” of common interests even bigger. The two sides should speed up the negotiation and conclusion of the outline of the cooperation plan for the synergy of the Belt and Road Initiative and the “Two Corridors and One Economic Circle” plan. It’s important to further tap the potential of railway transport efficiency in both countries, accelerate the connection of standard-gauge railways at border areas, facilitate port gate opening and upgrading, and promote connectivity of infrastructure and facilities. It’s also important to expand cooperation in agricultural trade, investment, energy and other fields, and increase direct flights to enhance exchanges in such areas as culture, tourism, education, and youth. China hopes that the Vietnamese government will continue creating a sound business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Vietnam. China is ready to practice true multilateralism with Vietnam, strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs such as those related to the United Nations, and deepen cooperation within such frameworks as China-ASEAN and Lancang-Mekong cooperation.

Li Qiang stressed that China is ready to work with Vietnam to stay committed to managing differences through dialogue and consultation, promote practical maritime cooperation, speed up consultations on a code of conduct in the South China Sea, and avoid taking actions that would complicate or escalate the situation.

Pham Minh Chinh said that the two parties of Vietnam and China, as well as the two peoples， share a strong bond. Vietnam will never forget the enormous help China has provided for Vietnam’s struggle for national independence and for its effort to advance development. Vietnam regards its relationship with China as the top priority of its foreign policy. “Neighbors wish each other well, just as loved ones do to each other”. Vietnam speaks highly of China’s great achievements in  COVID-19 response and in advancing opening up and economic and social development. Vietnam supports China’s efforts to build a modern socialist country in all respects under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Vietnam is ready to draw on China’s valuable experience to further deepen the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. China has made significant contributions to regional and global stability and prosperity through its development. Vietnam firmly pursues the one-China policy, and actively supports and participates in the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative. Vietnam is ready to work with China to deepen exchanges and cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, investment, infrastructure development, health, science and technology, and people-to-people and cultural affairs, and strengthen multilateral coordination and collaboration, to realize common development and prosperity. Vietnam is ready to work with China to properly manage differences and maintain maritime peace and stability.

After the talks, the two prime ministers jointly witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in such areas as maritime cooperation, market regulation, and port construction.

Prior to the talks, Li Qiang held a welcome ceremony for Pham Minh Chinh at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People.