VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese and Chinese diplomats met in Ha Noi yesterday, April 18, to talk about measures to boost bilateral relations and matters concerning border security.

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son and his Chinese counterpart Zhang Zhijun agreed to boost high-level visits and meetings to create a new impetus for bilateral relations. They said that more exchanges between different sectors, agencies and localities would help to strengthen political ties.

They also agreed on the need for a Viet Nam-China five-year economic and trade co-operation plan, further promotion of bilateral trade turnover, and measures to balance the trade deficit.

The two sides will also strengthen co-operation between communication agencies and media management to improve mutual understanding.

In terms of the mainland border, they said the situation had stabilised following the implementation of previously discussed measures. The two sides agreed to direct those concerned to abide by border laws to maintain stability in the area.

They also said they would sign an agreement to allow free shipping at the mouth of the Beilun River and an agreement to co-operate and exploit the tourism resources around the Ban Gioc Waterfall.

With regards to the sea, the two sides expressed their own views. They said the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) was important for peace and stability in the region.

They also agreed to soon sign an agreement on basic principles to guide the settlement of sea-related issues through peaceful negotiations based on international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News