In a solemn atmosphere, the Prime Minister of Vietnam and the Prime Minister of China walked together to salute the national flags of the two countries - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

This is the first official visit to Vietnam by Chinese Premier Li Qiang in his new capacity, and the first visit by a Chinese Premier to Vietnam in 11 years.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang review the Honor Guard of the Vietnam People's Army - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The visit took place at a particularly significant time for bilateral relations, as the two countries were looking forward to celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and immediately following important visits by high-level leaders from both sides.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Vietnam is of great significance, further developing the relationship between the two Parties and two countries in a deeper, more substantive, and comprehensive manner, meeting the common aspirations and interests of the people of both countries, and contributing to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

As the motorcade carrying the Chinese delegation arrived at the Presidential Palace, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh greeted Prime Minister Li Qiang in a warm and cordial atmosphere. Prime Minister Li Qiang received a bouquet of fresh flowers from Hanoi students as a token of appreciation.

The two leaders walked down the red carpet to the cheers of children waving the national flags of their respective countries. As the two leaders stepped onto the honorary platform, the national anthems of both countries were played. In a solemn atmosphere, the Prime Minister of Vietnam and the Prime Minister of China stepped forward to salute the national flags of their countries.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh invited Prime Minister Li Qiang to review the Honor Guard of the Vietnam People's Army. The two Prime Ministers introduced the members of the high-level delegations of the two countries; and witnessed the welcoming parade of the Honor Guard of the Vietnam People's Army.

Immediately after the welcoming ceremony, the two Prime Ministers moved to the Government Headquarters to visit an exhibition of photographs showcasing the country, its people, and the good relations between Vietnam and China, organized by the Government Office in coordination with the Vietnam News Agency.

Immediately after the welcoming ceremony, the two Prime Ministers proceeded to the Government Headquarters to visit an exhibition of photographs showcasing the country, its people, and the excellent relations between Vietnam and China.

Subsequently, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Prime Minister Li Qiang led the high-level delegations of the two countries in a meeting.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Earlier, on the afternoon of October 12th, immediately after arriving in Hanoi, Chinese Premier Li Qiang held a meeting with General Secretary and President To Lam. During the visit, Premier Li Qiang will also meet with National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man; and together with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, attend the Vietnam-China Business Forum and participate in several other important activities.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam and Prime Minister Li Qiang of China held talks.

Over the past year, high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and two countries, Vietnam and China, have frequently exchanged visits. In December 2023, General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Vietnam; in August 2024, General Secretary and President of Vietnam To Lam paid a state visit to China; and in June 2024, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the WEF in Dalian and worked in China.

China was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam on January 18, 1950. The two countries established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2008.

China consistently remains Vietnam's largest trading partner and its second-largest export market. Vietnam is China's largest trading partner in ASEAN and its fifth-largest trading partner globally.

Total bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$171.9 billion in 2023; and US$130.78 billion in the first eight months of 2024, a 25% increase compared to the same period.

Chinese investment in Vietnam in 2023 reached US$4.47 billion with 707 projects, making it the fourth largest investor in Vietnam in terms of registered capital and the largest in terms of the number of projects.

As of August 2024, China had invested $29 billion in Vietnam, ranking 6th among 148 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with over 4,800 projects.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Vietnam aims to further implement the common understanding reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and two countries in the past, and to exchange concrete measures to promote the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the shared future of Vietnam and China into a new stage of development, achieving even more tangible results.

According to baochinhphu.vn