Minister of the Vietnamese Embassy in China Ninh Thanh Cong speaks at the meeting. (Photo: VNA) Minister of the Vietnamese Embassy Ninh Thanh Cong emphasisedthe important role of press agencies in consolidating the social foundation forthe bilateral relations, and expressed his hope that the press agencies willpublish more objective articles about the situation in each country as well asthe friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and China,contributing to strengthening mutual understanding and respect, expandingsubstantive, mutually beneficial cooperation, and promoting the stable, healthydevelopment of the relationship.
The diplomat briefed the journalists on Vietnam’sachievements in 2023, with foreign relations being a bright spot, which hasproven its pioneer role in maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, and nationaldefence, helping to raise the country’s position and prestige.
Regarding the Vietnam-China ties, Cong said the year2023 marks the 15th anniversary of the comprehensive strategiccooperative partnership, noting the relations between the two Parties andcountries have been growing comprehensively.
Party, State, Government, National Assembly andFatherland Front leaders of the two countries have maintained their regularmeetings and contacts, he said, recalling the successful visit to Vietnam byParty General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping earlier this month,which, he said, has contributed to deepening and advancing the bilateral ties.
According to Cong, economic, trade andinvestment cooperation between the two countries remains stable. Chinacontinues to be Vietnam's largest trading partner and second biggest exportmarket. The neighbouring country is expected to be Vietnam's fourth largestforeign direct investor this year. Meanwhile, Vietnam is China's largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its fourthlargest trading partner in the world.
New progress has also been made in cultural exchange,education and tourism cooperation, and collaboration between localities, hesaid, stressing achievements in building a common land border line of peace,friendship and cooperation, and joint efforts in controlling disagreements atsea in line with international law.
Cong also expressed his hope that in 2024, the departments,ministries, agencies and localities of the two countries will continue to effectivelyimplement high-level common perceptions, bringing the comprehensive strategic cooperativepartnership to a new period of more substantial and effective development./.
VNA
