Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi, back left, and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, back right, witness a signing ceremony after the ninth meeting of China-Vietnam steering committee on cooperation in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 27, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

HANOI - The ninth meeting of China-Vietnam steering committee on cooperation was held Monday in Vietnam's capital Hanoi under the co-chair of Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.

Yang said in the past year, under the guidance of leaders of the two parties and states as well as the joint efforts of both sides, China-Vietnam relations have continued the good development momentum while exchanges and cooperation in various fields have been continuously deepened.

Both sides should well implement consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, map out plans for bilateral exchanges, and conduct coordination among ministries and localities to enhance cooperation in various fields, said Yang, adding that at the same time, the two sides should properly handle existing issues and differences so as to jointly promote China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in a more stable and better manner.

Pham Binh Minh, for his part, said recently Vietnam-China relations have maintained positive developments with frequent exchanges between leaders of the two parties and states.

The two countries have reached important consensus in developing bilateral relations in a sustainable and healthy manner, gaining progresses in cooperation in various fields.

Minh expressed his belief that the meeting will contribute to the promotion of Vietnam-China cooperation in politics, economy, trade, and socio-culture, among others.

Yang and Minh agreed that the two sides should continue to maintain close exchanges between the two parties and states, strengthen high-level strategic communication, and promptly exchange views on major issues of bilateral relations.

The two sides agreed to continue strengthening cooperation between the two parties, foreign ministries, armies, as well as cooperation in security and law enforcement.

Both sides also reached consensus on accelerating the linking of development strategies, jointly promoting the projects under "Belt and Road" initiative and "Two Corridors, One Belt" framework, expanding and deepening cooperation in economy, trade, investment, agriculture, transportation, culture, education, healthcare, tourism, youth exchanges, among others.

The two sides consented to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in inland border areas, make good use of the existing mechanisms between the two governments, well control maritime issues through friendly consultations and negotiations, as well as safeguard peace and stability in South China Sea.

The two sides reached consensus on positively studying and negotiating joint development at sea, effectively implementing cooperation projects and continuing to explore new cooperation fields.