Hanoi, January 26, 2025 – The Europe Today: On the threshold of the Lunar New Year 2025, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính warmly received Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam, He Wei, in Hanoi. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive developments in Vietnam-China relations throughout 2024 and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a stronger partnership.
The two sides highlighted the importance of high-level exchanges and diverse cooperation mechanisms, which have deepened mutual trust. Bilateral trade surged to US$205.2 billion in 2024, marking a 19.3% year-on-year increase. China also led in new investment projects in Vietnam, while the number of Chinese tourists visiting Vietnam rose to 3.8 million, a 114% increase compared to the previous year.
Congratulating China on its socio-economic achievements, PM Chính emphasized that strengthening the friendship and cooperation with China is a cornerstone of Vietnam’s foreign policy. He underlined the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship, rooted in independence, self-reliance, and multilateralism.
Ambassador He Wei reciprocated by affirming that the Communist Party of China and the Chinese Government prioritize their relationship with Vietnam. He emphasized the strong foundation of mutual trust and cooperation as the two nations prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025.
The meeting also acknowledged the significance of recent high-level talks between Vietnam’s Party General Secretary Tô Lâm and Chinese President Xi Jinping. These discussions provided strategic direction for the bilateral relationship, setting a strong foundation for the Vietnam-China Year of Humanistic Exchange 2025.
PM Chính proposed maintaining regular high-level engagements and enhancing collaboration across ministries, sectors, and localities. He stressed the need for substantial cooperation in various fields, including transport connectivity, and urged the implementation of agreements on major railway projects such as the Lào Cai – Hanoi – Hải Phòng, Lạng Sơn – Hanoi, and Móng Cái – Hạ Long – Hải Phòng routes.
Highlighting the importance of economic collaboration, PM Chính called for expanding China’s market access for Vietnamese agricultural products and fostering cooperation in agriculture, finance, technology, education, culture, and environmental protection. He also emphasized the need for joint efforts in managing the land border effectively and addressing maritime issues in line with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.
Ambassador He Wei welcomed the proposals and reiterated China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. He called for effective implementation of the Vietnam-China Year of Humanistic Exchange activities to solidify public support for the partnership. He also emphasized the importance of managing maritime disagreements peacefully to ensure a stable environment for development.
As both nations prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the meeting underscored their shared commitment to advancing cooperation for mutual benefit and regional stability.
