|
China, Viet Nam to jointly explore oil, gas
By Jiao Xiaoyang and Wang Ying (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-11-02 05:41
HANOI: Visiting President Hu Jintao yesterday became the first foreign leader
to address Viet Nam's parliament, as he called for closer links between Beijing
and Hanoi.
Hu said the two neighbours are both at a "crucial stage" of reform and
development, a stage that demands more co-operation and mutual trust.
Chinese President Hu Jintao speaks at Viet
Nam's parliament in Hanoi November 1, 2005. [Xinhua] |
"It is in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples to enhance
our friendship and trust, propel co-operation of mutual benefit, and promote
common development," Hu told the National Assembly.
Hu said China-Viet Nam relations have entered a new era of "all-round
friendship and co-operation," and reiterated China's pursuit of peace, mutual
benefit and dialogue over divergences in diplomacy with neighbouring countries.
On China's domestic front, Hu told the 500 people present that the country
had scored an average 9.4-per-cent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the
past 26 years, and the GDP is expected to quadruple to US$4 trillion by 2020.
Do Gia Thang, a Vietnamese official from the government's bill drafting
committee, said he was deeply impressed by China's development. "China's economy
has achieved great success. There is a lot we could learn from China," Do told
China Daily.
"It is natural for Vietnamese to think about learning from China, given our
similar social systems and close cultural bonds that date back to centuries
ago."
Before the speech, Hu met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai and
National Assembly President Nguyen Van An.
Chinese President
Hu Jintao shakes hands with Viet Nam National Assembly President Nguyen
Van An in Hanoi November 1, 2005. [Xinhua] |
Phan said that the agreements on economic and technological co-operation
signed on Monday would usher in breakthroughs in bilateral economic relations.
|
