China, Vietnam pledge to boost strategic partnership

Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli (4th L, front) holds talks with his Vietnamese Counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc (3rd R, front) in Hanoi, Vietnam, July 16, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

Echoing Zhang, Phuc said the April meeting has helped build a good momentum of bilateral relationship and Zhang's visit will help implement the consensus between the party leaders, cement the traditional friendship and boost practical cooperation between the two nations.

It is a strategic choice and long-standing policy of the Vietnamese party and government to develop relationship with China in a healthy and stable way, Phuc said, adding that the Vietnamese side is determined to safeguard and carry forward the traditional friendship with China.

Vietnam will advance all-round practical cooperation, and appropriately handle disputes with China to promote their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in a sustained way, Phuc said.

The Vietnamese deputy prime minister said Vietnam will support and join the building of the Belt and Road.

Phuc suggested the two sides work together to ensure that a joint survey would be conducted outside the bay mouth of Beibu Gulf.

After the talks, Zhang and Phuc jointly witnessed the signing of a document on implementing an inter-governmental cultural agreement.

Wang Jiarui, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended Thursday's talks in Hanoi.