Vietnamese Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi vowed to make efforts to preserve peace and stability in the East Vietnam Sea during their talks in Hanoi on Monday.

The meeting took place within the framework of Wang’s official visit to Vietnam and attendance at the 6th Greater Mekong Sub-region Summit (GMS-6) from March 30 to April 3, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

General Secretary Trong congratulated China on the successful organization of the 2018 sessions of the National People’s Congress and election of state and government leaders for the new tenure.

He extended his congratulations to Wang on his appointment as state councilor and foreign minister of China.

Vietnam always treasures the friendly relationship and sound cooperation with China, the Party chief continued, stressing that the two sides should further enhance their friendship, collaboration, mutual support, and common development in the future.

Trong asked both sides to adhere to the common perceptions and agreements reached by leaders of the two Parties and countries.

Hanoi and Beijing should also implement the basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues, properly manage disputes, refrain from intensifying the situation, and together make efforts to maintain peace and stability in the East Vietnam Sea, he asserted.

Replying to his guest, Minister Wang expressed his joy at paying an official visit to Vietnam and attending the sixth Greater Mekong Sub-region Summit, as well as congratulated the Southeast Asian country on successfully hosting the event.

The Chinese Party, government, and people attach special importance to the relationship with Vietnam, the official stated, adding that both nations should continue cementing strategic exchanges and cooperation, settling sea-related disagreements amicably, and maintaining the positive development of bilateral ties.