Li: Speed up cooperation with Vietnam

Premier, in meeting with counterpart, says countries have much in common

China and Vietnam should gear up synergies in their development strategies, increase the total volume of two-way trade and promote a balance of trade, Premier Li Keqiang said in a meeting on Monday in the Philippines with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. The two spoke on the sidelines of a series of leaders' meetings on cooperation in East Asia.

China has been Vietnam's largest trading partner over the past 13 years. Bilateral trade last year was valued at nearly $100 billion.

The two sides should act on the principle of jointly pressing ahead with land, maritime and financial cooperation, and developing the common threads found in the Belt and Road Initiative and Vietnam's Two Corridors and One Economic Circle plan, Li said. He called China and Vietnam friendly neighbors.

The discussion took place as President Xi Jinping wrapped up a successful state visit to Vietnam.

Phuc said Vietnam is willing to continue to nurture its friendship with China, adding that Vietnam is ready to promote synergies in development strategies and cooperation covering areas such as production capacity, transportation facilities, economy and trade. Speaking of China's ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Li said China hopes to send positive signals about focusing on regional cooperation and maintaining stability together with ASEAN.

China is willing to continue advancing consultations with ASEAN countries on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, making it a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, Li said.

China has always viewed ASEAN as a priority in its neighborly diplomacy, and is willing to promote the China-ASEAN strategic partnership to a higher level, Li said.

Phuc said the Vietnamese side speaks highly of China and ASEAN countries agreeing on the framework of the code of conduct, and his country is willing to jointly maintain peace and stability.

Li also held one-on-one meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday.