China, Vietnam to reach all-around cooperation

The leader of Vietnam's Communist Party has begun a four day visit to China. General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Hu Jintao welcomed Nong Duc Manh at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Hu Jintao and Nong Duc Manh spoke highly of relations between the two parties and countries. They agreed that both sides should make more efforts to lift bilateral relations to a new high, based on principles of long-term stability, facing the future, good neighborliness and friendship, and all-around cooperation.

Hu Jintao said the bilateral ties are developing well, with trade volume passing 15 billion US dollars, greater cooperation in various fields and most disputes from the past having been resolved peacefully.

Hu said the two parties and countries should continue the tradition of exchanging frequent high-level visits, and sharing views on important issues of common concern.

He said both sides should exchange experiences on running their party and governing the state, and strengthen cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, and agriculture.

Hu Jintao added the two countries should also expand economic and trade cooperation, and encourage long-term mutually beneficial cooperation in building infrastructure, manufacturing, and other important areas.

Hu Jintao said both countries should strengthen cooperation and coordination in international and regional affairs, to maintain peace and stability of the region and the world as a whole.

Nong Duc Manh agreed with Hu Jintao's assessment of ties between the two parties and countries. He expressed hope that the two countries would expand cooperation in various ways, including trade, science and technology, culture and education.

Manh reiterated Vietnam's support for the reunification of China and opposing "Taiwan Independence" in any form. The visiting leader wished the Beijing Olympics a success.

He expressed condolences to those suffering from the earthquake in Sichuan. And he said Vietnam would increase its donations to China's quake zone -- 200,000 US dollars' worth of medicine and other relief goods.

Afterwards, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation agreements between the two governments.