Vietnam border, seas, islands

Vietnam gives the top priority to the ties with neighbouring countries sharing the border with Vietnam, Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh told Chen Zhaohai, deputy commander of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theater Command, in Hanoi.

He reiterated the consistent policy of the Vietnamese Party, State and army of building stable, long-term and comprehensive friendship and solidarity with China, stressing Vietnam’s intention to develop defence cooperation with China.

He took note that the defence cooperation and border management between the two countries’ armies have been reinforced in recent years, thus promoting stability and prosperity in the two nations’ border areas.

Chen Zhaohai said Vietnam and China have maintained security at border regions and improved cooperation mechanisms in law enforcement as well as strengthened coordination in combating and preventing crime.

The two countries will increase exchanges among border guards and the sharing of experience in promoting external affairs and people-to-people exchanges across border areas, he said.

The two sides will coordinate to manage cross-border trade and promote twin ties between border stations and villages, the Chinese officer noted.-VNA