The move came after a four-day talks in Hanoi between Deputy Foreign Minister Vu Dung, head of the Vietnamese governmental-level delegation on border and territory negotiations, and his Chinese counterpart, Wu Dawei.

Based on the Vietnam-China land border delimitation treaty signed in 1999 as well as the basic interests of the two countries’ people and the development of the traditional friendship, the negotiations took place in a friendly and frank atmosphere, taking into account mutual concerns and trying to mitigate negative impacts on the lives and production of residents living along the common border, said the declaration.

The two sides reached solutions acceptable to both sides to all remaining issues, thus completing the border demarcation and marker planting along the whole land border line between Vietnam and China as agreed upon by their senior leaders.

These achievements are attributable to the attention and close guidance of senior leaders of Vietnam and China , as well as unceasing efforts of the two governmental-level delegations, experts and representatives from the relevant agencies and border provinces of the two countries.

The completion of land border demarcation and marker planting is an event of historic significance in Vietnam-China relations, the declaration said.

Vietnam and China have for the first time defined a clear land boundary with a system of markers, opening up new opportunities for the development in each country, especially creating favourable conditions for their border localities to expand cooperation, economic development and friendship exchanges.

The successful settlement of the boundary issue is expected to form a firm premise for Vietnam and China to build the shared borderline into an area of long-lasting peace, friendship and stability, marking vivid evidence of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two sides pledged to early complete and sign a protocol on border delimitation and marker planting, an agreement regarding land border management regulations and other related documents in order to realise the Vietnam-China land border treaty and nurture the time-honoured friendship.

They also agreed to continue with close coordination and cooperation to maintain peace, stability and mutual development in their border areas.

A ceremony will be held at an appropriate time to celebrate the great event, according to the joint declaration./.

(Vietnamplus)