(VOVworld) - Vietnamese Defense Minister General Phung Quang Thanh held talks with his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan in Lao Cai province on Friday as part of the 2^nd Vietnam-China border defense friendship meeting. Minister Thanh spoke at the event: "We believe this exchange will contribute to enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism for the benefit of both Vietnam and China."

Chang hailed the significance of the meeting in building a shared border of peace, friendship and stability. Both sides expressed their belief that the second Vietnam-China border defense friendship exchange, which is being held in Lao Cai and China’s Yunnan province from May 15-18, will contribute to strengthening the two armies’ relations.
This is the first time the two countries’ defense ministers have met at the border area, a reflection of their determination to consolidate defense cooperation and the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.
In a seminar following the talks, Deputy Minister of Defense Nguyen Chi Vinh said: ""Lao Cai and Yunnan provinces have set a role model for friendship cooperation along the Vietnamese-Chinese border. The exchange reflects the two countries' determination to implement agreements reached between leaders of both sides during Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong's recent visit to China. It reiterated the two armies' efforts to build a border of peace, friendship, and development between Vietnam and China."