Vietnamese and Chinese officers pose for a group photo. (Source: qdnd.vn)

At the meeting, Lich highlighted the significance of the forum whereparticipating countries shared their viewpoints on major regional and globalsecurity issues.

Both officers agreed that the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperativepartnership has reaped substantial and practical outcomes over the recent past.

The common perceptions reached by Party and State leaders of the two countrieshave created a firm foundation to consolidate mutual political trust andpromote bilateral ties in a healthy and sustainable manner, they said, notingthat defence cooperation has become one of the pillars of the Vietnam-Chinarelationship.

Lich suggested the two sides increase delegation exchanges at all levels,especially at high level, continue to share experience in army building,maintain the ministerial-level defence policy dialogue mechanism, activelyprepare for the sixth border defence friendship exchange and enhancecollaboration in joining the UN peacekeeping operations.

The officers said Vietnam and China should hold regular talks to candidly andsincerely discuss outstanding issues in bilateral ties so as to properly addressthem in the spirit of high-level agreements reached by leaders of the twocountries, for the sake of their people, and for peace, stability anddevelopment in the region.

Regarding the complex global and regional situation, Xu stressed the need forcountries to increase dialogue and step up cooperation to maintain a peacefuland stable environment, rather than confrontations.

Lich said joint efforts of all countries could help to cope with commonsecurity challenges.

The Vietnamese minister used the occasion to invite Xu to visit Vietnam. The hostaccepted the invitation and promised to arrange an early visit./. VNA