HCMC – Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President To Lam met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on August 19 to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation as part of the former’s state visit to China from August 18 to 20.
Li, who is also a member of China’s Politburo Standing Committee, praised the late Vietnamese leader Nguyen Phu Trong for his contributions to fostering Vietnam-China relations. He welcomed Lam’s first state visit to China and also the first overseas trip in his capacity as the head of the Communist Party and State of Vietnam.
Lam said the Vietnamese Party and State attach importance to growing ties with the Chinese Party and State, considering the development of relations with China as a strategic choice and a top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy.
Both leaders underlined the positive developments in bilateral relations, including increased trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in various areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, and technology. They discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea.
Lam also had separate meetings with other high-ranking Chinese officials, including Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
Zhao and Wang are also members of China’s Politburo Standing Committee.
During the talks, Lam proposed enhancing the efficacy of cooperative mechanisms in Vietnam-China relations, particularly in public security, national defense, and foreign affairs. The Vietnamese leader suggested boosting two-way trade, attracting high-quality Chinese investment, and promoting tourism between the two countries.
In agreement with Lam’s recommendations, China’s leaders reaffirmed the commitment of the Chinese Party, State, and people to strengthen ties with Vietnam.
They expressed their determination to actively construct the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
