China and Vietnam signed 14 documents related to a range of issues – from cross-border railways to the export of crocodiles, reports "Reuters", quoted by News.bg.
This happened after the meeting of Chinese President Xi Jinping with the new leader of Vietnam To Lam in Beijing.
Lam's visit to the Chinese capital is his first overseas since coming to power and shows the two communist countries' desire to strengthen ties amid growing trade and investment, despite occasional skirmishes over borders in the South China Sea.
"China has always regarded Vietnam as a priority in its neighborly diplomacy and supports the country in adhering to the Party's leadership, taking the socialist path suitable to its national conditions, and deepening the cause of reform and socialist modernization,'' Xi said. at the meeting.
"I believe that our path will expand as we move forward," the Chinese leader pointed out and emphasized the establishment of a good working relationship and personal friendship with Lam.
Lam described bilateral ties as "a top priority in Vietnam's foreign policy" and called his trip to China "confirmation of the Party and the Vietnamese government that they value relations with China".
The two countries then signed documents on planning and feasibility studies for standardized rail routes, in what appears to be a new step towards upgrading cross-border rail links, after preliminary agreements on the matter were signed in December during Xi's state visit to Hanoi.
In a lengthy joint statement in December, the two countries said they would work for cross-border rail connectivity, naming three rail projects. These include one linking the mountainous city of Lao Cai in northwestern Vietnam to the port city of Haiphong, and a potential project linking China's Shenzhen to Haiphong.
Vietnamese officials said rail links will be high on the agenda when the two leaders meet.
The two countries are linked by two railway lines from southern China to the northern industrial center of Vietnam – the capital Hanoi, but Vietnam's infrastructure dates back to French colonization and has a different gauge than China's high-speed rail. This forces passengers and goods to change trains at the border.
Upgrading the Vietnamese side of the railways could boost trade and investment as more Chinese manufacturers move some export-oriented operations to Vietnam amid trade tensions between China and the United States.
Other documents signed cover cooperation between central banks, media, health and quarantine and inspection of coconuts, crocodiles and durian.
After the signing, Xi and Lam continued talks on important issues of common interest over tea in a "cordial and friendly atmosphere,", Xinhua reported.
Lam arrived in southern China's Guangzhou province yesterday for a three-day visit that will include meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and other senior Chinese officials.
China and Vietnam established diplomatic ties in 1950 and established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2008, which was jointly strengthened five years later to encompass more shared international and regional issues of concern.
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