Addressing the 27th ASEAN-China Summit held in Vientiane (Laos) on October 10, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh welcomed substantial, effective and extensive progress of ASEAN-China cooperation, bringing practical benefits to all sides, according to a report from the Government News.

The Prime Minister said both ASEAN and China have proved to be the dynamic development centers and major driving forces for growth in the region and the world.

Looking forwards to the future, the Vietnamese leader called on ASEAN and China to push for comprehensive and inclusive connectivity, especially strategic and transport infrastructure; promote new growth drivers, cooperation in digital economy and green economy, and connectivity within the Belt and Road initiative; and accelerate market access for their products, among others.

The Prime Minister also suggested ASEAN and China continue promoting people-to-people exchanges, contributing to solidify social foundations and nurture friendship and cooperation between the two sides.

As ASEAN and China share responsibilities for maintaining a peaceful environment conducive to cooperation and development, the Vietnamese leader called on both sides to coordinate positions, consolidate and strengthen political trust, make positive and responsible contributions to peace, security and stability in the region, enhance dialogue and settlement of regional disputes.

He called for early conclusion of negotiations on an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea in accordance with international law, including the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The summit was attended by leaders of ASEAN Member States or their representatives, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. Timor-Leste attended as Observer.

During the summit, the leaders reviewed the progress of ASEAN-China cooperation and discussed its future direction, particularly on advancing the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern.

Following the summit, the leaders adopted a Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation in People-to-People Exchanges, in line with the theme of the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges.