(VOVworld) – Developing its comprehensive strategic partnership with China is one of the top long-term priorities of Vietnam’s foreign policy, said Vietnamese Ambassador to China Nguyen Van Tho at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 65th anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic ties. Tho expressed his hope that China sees growth opportunities in Vietnam’s stability and prosperity.
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| The Vietnamese Embassy in China holds a press conference in Beijing. (Photo: VOV) |
Economic cooperation was the highlight of bilateral ties in 2014, with total trade revenue reaching 59 billion USD, up 16% from 2013. China’s own statistics show that Vietnam has become China’s second biggest ASEAN partner. China remains one of Vietnam’s top 10 investors with registered capital of 8 billion USD.
Ambassador Tho predicted 2015 will be a milestone – a year in which the traditional friendship and the current comprehensive strategic cooperation are elevated to a new height. He called for more high-level contacts and visits at different levels, especially among the youth, to further mutual political and strategic trust. He asked for closer economic ties and an effort to reduce Vietnam’s huge imports from China, the early establishment of working groups on infrastructure and monetary issues, and favorable conditions for traveling between the two countries.
On the East Sea issue, Ambassador Tho underlined the need to settle disputes peacefully with respect for legitimate interests and international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). While seeking a long-term solution, Tho suggested, both sides should maintain stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation. It is necessary for both countries to exercise restraint and avoid any acts that could disrupt the status quo, worsen the situation, and harm bilateral ties.