On August 14, on the occasion of attending the 10th Mekong - Lan Trade Cooperation Ministers' Conference in Yunnan province, China, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held talks with Politburo member and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son suggested that the two sides continue to coordinate to promote and organize well high-level delegation exchanges and exchanges; promote deeper and more substantial defense and security cooperation; improve the quality and effectiveness of cooperation in various fields, in which, giving top priority to railway cooperation, starting the construction of the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong route in 2025; continue to promote balanced and sustainable trade development; cooperate in investment in the construction of major projects that are typical of the bilateral relationship; promote scientific and technological cooperation to become a new bright spot.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son also hopes that the two sides will increase exchanges and mutual support in multilateral frameworks; affirm that Vietnam attaches importance to Mekong - Lan Thuong cooperation; highly appreciates China's contributions and the joint efforts of Mekong countries over the past 10 years; and suggests that the parties focus on strengthening cooperation in sustainable and effective management of Mekong - Lan Thuong water resources.
Foreign Minister Vuong Nghi emphasized that China is ready to coordinate closely to effectively implement high-level common perceptions, focusing on promoting the implementation of high-level exchange programs in the coming time; in areas of substantive cooperation, China is ready to promote economic - trade cooperation, expand Vietnam's import of goods, promote connectivity in transport infrastructure, increase high-quality investment, expand cooperation in science and technology, artificial intelligence, digital economy, strengthen electricity linkages, contribute to the implementation of each country's growth goals.
Appreciating Vietnam's active contributions and important role in the framework of Mekong - Lan Thuong cooperation, Minister Vuong Nghi suggested that member countries, including Vietnam, strengthen coordination, aiming for the next 10 successful years, bringing Mekong - Lan Thuong regional cooperation to new heights, expanding to new areas, bringing practical benefits to people of other countries, contributing to peace, cooperation, development and prosperity in the region.
Regarding maritime issues, the two sides agreed to control disagreements well and maintain peace and stability in the East Sea. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son suggested that the two sides respect each other's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the East Sea areas established in accordance with international law, especially UNCLOS 1982; do not take unilateral actions to complicate the situation, handle the issue of fishing vessels and fishermen stably; persistently resolve disputes and disagreements by peaceful means.
