Taking Mekong-Lancang cooperation to new heights and new fields, for practical benefits: Deputy Prime Minister
WVR - On August 14, within the framework of the 10th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Yunnan, China, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
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| Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
At the meeting, both sides conveyed warm greetings between General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji. Both sides expressed their pleasure at the socio-economic development achievements each country has attained in recent times and highly appreciated the development trend and positive outcomes in Vietnam–China relations.
Emphasizing the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations in the coming time, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son proposed that both sides continue to coordinate and promote high-level delegation exchanges and exchange activities; foster deeper and more substantive cooperation in defense and security; improve the quality and efficiency of cooperation in various fields, with top priority given to railway cooperation, including the groundbreaking of the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway line in 2025; continue to promote balanced and sustainable trade; and cooperate in the investment and construction of major symbolic projects for the bilateral relationship. He also called for promoting science and technology cooperation to become a new highlight.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son expressed the wish for both sides to enhance exchanges and support each other in multilateral frameworks; affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to Mekong–Lancang cooperation; appreciated China's contributions and the joint efforts of Mekong countries over the past decade; and proposed that parties focus on strengthening sustainable and effective management of Mekong–Lancang water resources.
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| Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that China is willing to closely coordinate to effectively implement the high-level common understandings, with a focus on promoting upcoming high-level exchange programs. In areas of practical cooperation, China is ready to boost economic and trade collaboration, expand imports of Vietnamese goods, strengthen transport infrastructure connectivity, increase high-quality investment, and broaden cooperation in science and technology, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy. China also aims to enhance electricity connectivity, contributing to the growth goals of both countries.
Highly appreciating Vietnam’s positive contributions and important role within the Mekong–Lancang cooperation framework, Minister Wang Yi proposed that member countries, including Vietnam, strengthen coordination toward another successful decade. He called for elevating Mekong–Lancang cooperation to a new level, expanding into new areas to bring tangible benefits to the people of the region and contributing to peace, cooperation, development, and prosperity.
Regarding maritime issues, both sides agreed to properly manage differences and maintain peace and stability in the East Sea (South China Sea). Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son proposed that both sides respect each other’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over maritime zones in the East Sea established in accordance with international law, especially UNCLOS 1982; refrain from unilateral actions that complicate the situation; properly handle issues related to fishing vessels and fishermen; and persist in resolving disputes and differences by peaceful means.
The two sides also exchanged views on a number of international and regional issues of mutual concern.
