Vietnamese, Chinese PMs hold first phone talks, pledge stronger bilateral cooperation

According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks took place in an atmosphere of 'friendship, trust, substance, and openness.'

During the talks, Prime Minister Hung highly appreciated the Chinese Party and state leaders’ policy of prioritizing relations with Vietnam within China’s neighborhood diplomacy.

He underlined that Vietnam views the development of relations with China as a consistent policy, an objective requirement, and a strategic and natural choice, as well as a top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening, multilateralization, and diversification.

The two prime ministers spoke positively of the recent progress in relations between the two Parties and countries.

They agreed to maintain regular exchanges and close coordination to further implement high-level agreements and the outcomes of recent visits by the top leaders of both Parties and states.

Regarding future cooperation, Prime Minister Hung proposed that the two sides further strengthen strategic trust, effectively organize high-level exchanges and meetings, and make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, including the 3+3 Strategic Dialogue mechanism.

He also called for stronger infrastructure connectivity, the development of a multimodal transport system, and prioritization of railway cooperation, while enhancing connectivity with other countries and regions.

On trade, he proposed promoting balanced and sustainable bilateral trade growth, early bringing the smart border gate model into operation, and developing cross-border economic cooperation zones to facilitate trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

Prime Minister Hung also expressed hope that the two sides would expand cooperation in science and technology, education and training of high-quality human resources, healthcare, and especially traditional medicine.

He further proposed strengthening cooperation in culture and tourism, effectively implementing the Vietnam-China Tourism Cooperation Year 2026-27, and continuing to enhance the effectiveness of existing local-level cooperation mechanisms.

Premier Li affirmed that China always considers Vietnam a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy.

China, he said, is ready to work closely with Vietnam to deepen the alignment of development strategies, and advance practical cooperation across various sectors.

Agreeing with Prime Minister Hung’s proposals, Li also reaffirmed China’s readiness to promote railway cooperation between the two countries and strengthen connectivity with other countries and regions.

China also hopes to promote industrial and trade connectivity, agricultural trade, and cooperation in inspection and quarantine procedures.

Li said China is prepared to encourage reputable and capable enterprises to expand high-quality investment, particularly in science and technology and innovation, while strengthening cooperation in energy security and power connectivity.

Regarding tourism and people-to-people exchanges, China agreed to effectively implement the China-Vietnam Tourism Cooperation Year 2026-27, enhance friendly exchanges between the two peoples, and carry out social welfare cooperation projects.

The two prime ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, affirming close coordination to ensure the success of the APEC years hosted by China in 2026 and Vietnam in 2027.

Both sides further agreed to better manage and resolve differences, maintain peace and stability at sea, and strengthen a favorable environment for the development of each country.