Xi calls on China, Vietnam to enhance strategic communication

China and Vietnam should properly manage and control the differences over maritime issues and boost joint development, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang in Hanoi on Monday.

The two countries should strive to maintain peace and stability at sea, Xi stressed.

He also called on both sides, to step up efforts to synergize China's Belt and Road Initiative with Vietnam's Two Corridors and One Economic Circle plan and promote cooperation in areas such as infrastructure construction, industrial capacity and the building of cross-border economic cooperation zones.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang hold talks at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam, November 13, 2017. /Reuters Photo

The two countries should enhance high-level strategic communication to ensure bilateral ties move forward in the right direction, the Chinese president added.

Tran spoke highly of China's remarkable achievements in economic and social development and significant contributions to international and regional peace and prosperity.

Consolidating and strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between Vietnam and China is in line with the fundamental interests of both countries and their people, Tran said, adding that it will also benefit international and regional peace and stability.

Xi paid a state visit to Vietnam from Sunday to Monday, following a two-day stay in Vietnam's central city of Da Nang, where he attended the 25th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, earlier met with General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong, Chairperson of the National Assembly of Vietnam Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

On Monday afternoon, Xi landed in the Lao capital Vientiane for a two-day state visit to the country.

Screenshot from CGTN Live

During his visit, Xi will meet Bounnhang Vorachith, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and president of Laos, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and President of the Lao National Assembly Pany Yathotou, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong said.