Chinese FM meets Vietnamese Deputy PM in Myanmar

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on the sidelines of the series of Foreign Ministers' Meetings on East Asia cooperation in Myanmar's capital of Nay Pyi Taw, Aug. 8, 2014.(Xinhua/U Aung)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on the sidelines of the series of Foreign Ministers Meetings on East Asia cooperation in Myanmar's capital of Nay Pyi Taw Friday.

Wang thanked Pham for conveying sympathy to China once again for the grave earthquake that struck Ludian, Yunnan Province.

Noting that China and Vietnam are close neighbors, Wang pointed out that both the two countries are at a crucial stage of reform and development when all kinds of complex and challenges emerging at home and abroad.

He stressed the need for the two countries to enhance cooperation and purse common development.

Regarding the temporary difficulty in bilateral relations, Wang emphasized that both sides should implement in real earnest consensus of leaders of the two countries, bearing in mind the overall interest of bilateral relations and staying committed to properly resolving relevant issues through bilateral communication so as to bring China-Vietnam relations back to the right track at an early date.

Elaborating on China's principled position on maritime issues, Wang said the Chinese side will take all necessary means to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interest.

He urged the Vietnamese side to properly deal with the aftermath of the incident involving beating, looting and arson to create condition for the improvement of bilateral relations.

Pham said both Vietnam and China are socialist countries in need of a peaceful external environment for the development of the state.

To cement and develop the good-neighborliness and friendship between Vietnam and China is the consensus of the party and government of Vietnam which also meets the aspiration of the people of Vietnam, he said.

Together with the Chinese side, the Vietnamese side will keep in mind the long-term and steady growth of bilateral relations, stay committed to improving bilateral relations, carry forward cooperation on various fields and strive for a peaceful resolution of the dispute so as to maintain maritime stability.