The Deputy PM praised the solid preparations of the Chinese Government and authorities of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in organising CAEXPO on the occasion of the 20 th anniversary of the establishment of the ASEAN-China partnership, describing it as a good opportunity for the two sides to boost friendship and business cooperation.

Premier Wen said that Viet Nam ’s participation in the event with a large number of businesses represents its economic development and the deep integration of the Vietnamese economy into the region.

For many consecutive years, China has been the largest trade partner of Viet Nam , the Chinese leader said, adding that cooperative potential between the two countries is still vast and boosting trade and economic cooperation between the two countries will benefit both countries.

The two sides expressed their pleasure at the development of the two countries’ relations in the recent past, especially the China visit by Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, which contributed to deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two Parties and States.

They spoke highly of the two countries’ signing of the agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea issues, describing it as an important foundation for the two countries to discuss and solve outstanding problems at sea.

The two sides agreed that in the spirit of comradeship, friendship and neighbourliness, mutual benefits and on the basis of international law, through negotiations and cooperation, efforts to seek suitable solutions for issues relating to the East Sea contribute to peace, stability and cooperation in the region and the world.

Earlier, Deputy PM Phuc visited the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and Fujian province of China .

The same day, Deputy PM Phuc also met with Lao First Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad, who is also attending the expo./.