The eighth meeting of the China-Vietnam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, co-hosted by State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh, was held in Beijing on June 18.

Yang said that the two countries have achieved positive results in various fields since the seventh meeting, following efforts of both sides, and China-Vietnam relations have now entered a “critical period” since the two countries established diplomatic ties 65 years ago.

The eighth meeting of the China-Vietnam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, co-hosted by State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh, was held in Beijing on June 18.[Photo/Xinhua]

He also said China and Vietnam should implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two sides, promote cooperation in various fields and push the development of bilateral relations.

Minh said that Vietnam attaches great importance to bilateral ties and is willing to continue its friendship with China and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation.

Both sides agreed that consolidating and developing the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership is the responsibility of the two neighboring countries. And they also agreed to maintain high-level communication and launch cooperation in issues related to sea, land and finance.

The two sides will also aim to implement the Agreement on Basic Principles Guiding the Settlement of Maritime Issues, signed in 2011, manage maritime disputes and maintain peace in the South China Sea.