China, Vietnam agree to further strengthen military cooperation

HANOI - Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Hong Xiaoyong on Thursday met with Vietnamese Minister of Defense Ngo Xuan Lich, during which the two sides agreed to further strengthen military cooperation, a Chinese embassy official told Xinhua on Friday.

Speaking at the meeting in Vietnam's capital Hanoi, the Vietnamese minister spoke highly of military cooperation between the two countries, reaffirming to continue adhering to the guidelines of "friendly neighborliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability and looking towards the future" and the spirit of being "good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners."

Lich emphasized the significance of enhancing exchanges and cooperation between the two armies, vowing to uphold the pivotal role of army cooperation in bilateral traditional friendship.

Chinese Ambassador Hong Xiaoyong, for his part, said Chinese party and government attach great importance to friendly cooperation with Vietnam.

China is willing to join hands with Vietnam in implementing the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries and maintaining the frequent high-level visits.

The two sides agreed to boost exchanges and cooperation in various areas, including military cooperation, thus bringing the relations between the two parties, states and armies to a new height, said Hong.