Vietnamese and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold talks

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh affirmed that international law must be respected, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

Yesterday afternoon, on the sidelines of the 45th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM 45) and related meetings held in Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

Here, the two sides discussed the bilateral relationship in recent times, measures to promote comprehensive strategic cooperation between Vietnam and China in the coming time as well as international and regional situations of mutual concern.

Regarding Vietnam-China relations, the two sides affirmed that they attach importance to the comprehensive strategic partnership and cooperation between Vietnam and China. The two Ministers believed that the bilateral relations are developing healthily and stably, and cooperation in various fields is increasingly deepening, practical, effective and in line with the fundamental common interests of the people of the two countries, which is beneficial to peace, stability and development of the region and the world.

Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (second from right) with officials and leaders at the conference - Photo: AFP

The two sides agreed that in the coming time, it is necessary to maintain delegation activities at all levels between the two countries, especially to increase high-level exchanges and contacts, promote friendly exchanges and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, especially between levels, sectors, localities and people, strengthen economic and trade cooperation, as well as promote cooperation in areas where both sides still have much potential, especially in the fields of infrastructure construction and transportation.

The two Ministers said that in the coming time, the two Foreign Ministries need to continue to strengthen coordination, make practical and effective contributions, and further promote bilateral cooperation in the above-mentioned fields.

Regarding maritime issues, the two sides affirmed to resolve all disagreements through peaceful and friendly negotiations, with mutual respect and concern for each other's legitimate interests. Based on the common perceptions reached between the two countries' senior leaders and the agreement on basic principles guiding the resolution of maritime issues.

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh expressed Vietnam's concern over recent complicated developments in the East Sea, protesting China's establishment of Sansha City and China's public invitation to bid for nine oil and gas blocks in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh affirmed that international law must be respected, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

Here, the Foreign Ministers of Japan and Cambodia also agreed on peacefully resolving territorial disputes in the East Sea.

Previously, at the Conferences on the East Sea, many ASEAN ministers and dialogue countries expressed their concerns about recent developments in the East Sea regarding peace, stability, security and maritime safety in the region. At the same time, they emphasized the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, respect for international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the spirit of DOC, and the early establishment of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea COC, in order to ensure stability, security and maritime safety in the region.

According to GiaoducVN-M