Premier Li, Vietnam PM discuss maritime issues

China and Vietnam should handle maritime issues properly and create a good environment for further bilateral exchanges and cooperation, Premier Li Keqiang said in a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Sunday.

Premier Li urged both nations to consolidate political mutual trust and deepen win-win cooperation to bring more benefits to the two peoples during the meeting, which took place at the sidelines of the 22nd China-ASEAN leaders' meeting in Bangkok.

China and Vietnam, as close neighbors and emerging economies, should keep to the general direction of bilateral relations, meet each other half way and create a good atmosphere for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, Premier Li said.

In pushing forward East Asian cooperation, all parties involved must remain open, inclusive, focus on cooperation and jointly cope with challenges, he said, adding that China will support Vietnam as the rotating ASEAN chair in 2020.

Phuc said Vietnam attaches great importance to relations with China, and is willing to step up bilateral relations and cooperation in various areas.

He also echoed the Premier's proposal that the two nations should properly solve maritime issues through dialogue and communication.