(VOVworld)- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh will head a Vietnamese delegation to attend the first Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) leaders’ meeting and the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan province, China, on March 22-24.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (first from left) at the first Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Lancang - Mekong River in China in 2015 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Ambassador to China Dang Minh Khoi said in an interview with Vietnam News Agency that the first MLC meeting marks the first time all six countries along the Mekong River meet on joint efforts for sustainable development in the sub-Mekong region. He noted that the meeting is expected to adopt the Sanya Declaration – outlining long-term principles and orientations for the MLC cooperation. Regarding the relations between Vietnam and China, the Ambassador noted the development trend in Vietnam-China ties over the past time, as seen in the regular exchanges of delegations and contact in various forms between the two countries’ leaders. As regards East Sea issues, the diplomat stressed the need to strictly obey the common perceptions reached by leaders of the two Parties and States on addressing maritime issues, implement the Vietnam-China agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related matters, and effectively employ the Government-level negotiation mechanism on Vietnam-China boundary and territory issues. He also said the two sides should persistently seek mutually acceptable fundamental and long-lasting solutions through negotiations in accordance with international law, while actively discussing transitional solutions which do not affect the stance and policy of both sides.
The ambassador reiterated the importance of effectively controlling the situation at sea, implementing fully and effectively the Declaration on Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and reaching the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) as soon as possible. He urged both sides not take any actions that can further complicate the situation while promptly and effectively addressing any arising problems, thus helping develop the Vietnam-China relationship and maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea as well as in the region and the world.