He appreciated Mr Dai’s contributions to strengthening the friendship between the two countries and welcomed the result of the third session of the Vietnam-China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation which took place in Hanoi earlier the same day.  

He expressed pleasure at the positive development of bilateral ties, especially after the two countries’ top leaders decided to build the strategic comprehensive cooperative partnership last year. He congratulated the Chinese people on their achievements during the process of reform and open-door policy and socialist construction in recent times.

Vietnam wants to solve disagreements in bilateral relations in the spirit of “being both comrades and brothers”, avoiding complicating the situation, said Mr Triet, adding that this is to manifest the responsibilities towards the two people as well as future generations.

Mr Triet conveyed his regards to President and General Secretary Hu Jintao and other Party and State leaders.

For his part, Dai Binggou said that the building of cooperative, friendly and stable relations will be significant to both Vietnam and China. He said that based on the current good relationship, the two countries will certainly find basic and long-term solutions to pending marine issues.

China will pursue the win-win and friendly diplomacy for mutual benefit, said Mr Dai.

The same day, the Chinese State Councillor was received by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung who said that despite the global economic recession, bilateral trade value reached more than US$20 billion and the target of raising the figure to US$25 billion in 2010 would be within reach.

As the global economy is forecast to have many unexpected changes, the two countries should boost cooperation to overcome difficulties in the future, said Mr Dung.

The Chinese official suggested that the two countries strengthen high-ranking visits and prepare to celebrate Vietnam-China Friendship Year in 2010.