Hanoi (VNA) -⛄ General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping talked over the phone on January 15, during which both leaders affirmed commitments to prioritising the enhancement of relations between the two countries.

The talks took place on the occasion of the 75th founding anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations (January 18, 1950 - 2025), and in the context that the two nations are preparing for the Lunar New Year Festival. The two leaders noted the significance of the phone talks, viewing it as an important and positive start for the Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange. They said it reflects the high regard and top priority each side places on the relations between the two Parties and countries, setting the direction for their effective cooperation in 2025 and the years to come. As the Year of the Snake is approaching, the two leaders wished for greater achievements in the socialist building of each country, for prosperity and well-being for the people of both nations, and for the continued healthy and stable development of the relations between the two Parties and countries, contributing to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world at large. The two leaders praised the traditional Vietnam-China friendship over the past 75 years, saying it has maintained the positive development trend, reaped multiple achievements, and brought tangible benefits to the two countries’ people. In 2024, high-level exchanges took place frequently, fostering a spirit of friendship and effective cooperation across various levels, sectors, and communities. Many agreements and high-level common perceptions, including the Vietnam-China joint statement issued in August 2024, are being actively implemented. Lam expressed his sympathy with the families of the victims and to all those affected by the recent devastating earthquake in Tibet. The Vietnamese leader noted confidence that under the timely leadership and guidance of the CPC Central Committee, the Chinese people would quickly overcome the aftermath and stabilise their lives. He also congratulated China on the significant achievements it has made under the leadership of the CPC, with Xi at its core, and expressed his belief that China will grow stronger and contribute more to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world. For his part, Xi extended his warm congratulations to the CPV and Lam on the occasion of the 95th founding anniversary of the CPV (February 3, 1930 - 2025). He lauded the comprehensive achievements Vietnam has recorded in recent years and hoped that the CPV, led by Lam, will continue to guide the Vietnamese people to successfully implement the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, successfully organise the 14th National Party Congress, and achieve the centennial goals to celebrate the Party’s and the nation’s founding. The Chinese top leader said he believed that Vietnam will steadfastly progress toward the new era of the nation’s rise on the path to socialism.

Lam emphasised that the Party, State, and people of Vietnam treasure the valuable support from their Chinese counterparts during historical periods, affirming that Vietnam always considers developing the bilateral relations a top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, and diversification.

In reply, Xi also affirmed that the Party and State of China prioritise developing relations with Vietnam in its neighbourhood diplomacy.

On this occasion, the leaders jointly announced the launch of the the Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange 2025. They also agreed to effectively coordinate in organising activities to celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of the diplomatic relations and the Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange 2025; and in raising public awareness, especially among younger generations, of the traditional friendship between the two countries.

They consented to strengthen strategic exchanges between the two Parties and countries, especially high-level exchanges that hold strategic orientation significance for the overall bilateral relations; improve the effectiveness of cooperation mechanisms on the channels of Party, Government, National Assembly/National People's Congress, and Vietnam Fatherland Front/Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; promote defence and security cooperation as an important pillar of the bilateral relationship; create new breakthroughs in economic cooperation, accelerating the connection of three standard gauge railway lines between the two countries; and expand trade and investment cooperation in emerging fields.

Xi welcomed Vietnam's efforts to better quality and expand the consumption of its high-quality agricultural products in the Chinese market.

The two leaders exchanged information about the situation of each Party and country, agreeing to intensify the exchanges of experience and theory discussions on socialism building, and coordinate on international and regional issues to contribute to promoting peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

The Vietnamese Party chief suggested the two sides direct their sectors to seek effective methods and solutions to better manage and resolve differences, and to enhance cooperation in accordance with the scope of the bilateral relations, and on the basis of the UN Charter and international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

⛄ He invited the Chinese leader and his spouse to soon visit Vietnam again this year. Xi accepted the invitation with pleasure./.