Phnom Penh (VNA) – DeputyPrime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Chinese Foreign MinisterWang Yi have agreed to effectively implement cooperation mechanisms between thetwo foreign ministries and optimize their active coordination role in promotingties between the two Parties and countries.

The two FMs met on the sidelinesof the second Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Mekong – Lancang Cooperation (MLC) heldin Siem Reap, Cambodia from December 22-23.

Deputy PM Minh urged continuedcollaboration in effectively realising agreements and common perceptions of thetwo countries’ leaders, towards the healthy and stable development of Vietnam-Chinacomprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

He asked China to facilitateupcoming high-level visits, take additional measures for more balancedbilateral trade and improve the scale and quality of China’s investment projectsin Vietnam.

The Deputy PM also called forstrengthening bilateral ties in agriculture, science-technology, climate changeresponse, research on new rice varieties adaptable to drought and salineintrusion in the Mekong Delta, and establishing a mechanism on the exchange ofnuclear safety information.

Speaking highly of the MLCmechanism, Minh suggested relevant agencies of Vietnam and China jointly studythe impacts of hydropower dams and proper water release plans whilestrengthening the harmonious and sustainable use of Mekong River water resources.

On sea-related issues, the DeputyPM requested serious implementation of common perceptions of the two Partiesand nations’ leaders, consistent settlement of the East Sea disputes bypeaceful means in line with international law and the 1982 United NationsConvention on the Law of the Sea, as well as respect for diplomatic and legalprocess.

The Vietnamese official urgedthat the two sides well manage disputes, maintain peace and stability at sea, refrainfrom actions that complicate the situation and escalate disputes, fully andeffectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Seaand accelerate work towards completing a Code of Conduct in the East Sea nextyear.

Wang, for his part, agreed withthe Deputy PM’s proposed measures to solidify ties, and vowed close coordinationto prepare for visits next year.

On the fringes of the MLC meeting,Deputy PM Minh also met with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith.

They noted the significance ofthe annual consultation at foreign ministerial-level slated for Laos next year,which they said, would foster trust and effective cooperation between the twoministries in bilateral issues as well as regional and global cooperationmechanisms.

Both sides also agreed onthorough preparations for the 55th anniversary of bilateraldiplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-LaosTreaty of Amity and Cooperation next year./.