In a significant move to strengthen diplomatic ties, Vietnam and China confirmed on Thursday the establishment of a new Vietnamese consulate general in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality.
This addition will complement Vietnam’s existing embassy in Beijing and consulates in Nanning, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kunming, marking Vietnam’s expanding diplomatic presence in the region.
The official announcement was made during a ceremony attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The event occurred on the sidelines of the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit held in Kunming, Yunnan Province.
Premier Li Qiang expressed China’s readiness to collaborate closely with Vietnam to enhance trade and investment. He emphasized the importance of leveraging bilateral cooperation mechanisms to explore potential in emerging sectors such as e-commerce, digital economy, and green energy.
“China is prepared to work with Vietnam to accelerate connectivity through railways, highways, and smart ports,” Li stated. “We aim to promote smooth border trade and explore the establishment of cross-border economic cooperation zones.”
He also highlighted the significance of coordination under multilateral frameworks like the GMS and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation to foster regional development.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to cultivating a long-term, stable, and friendly relationship with China, calling it the strategic choice and top priority of Vietnam’s foreign policy.
“Vietnam is willing to maintain close exchanges with China at all levels,” Pham emphasized. “We seek to deepen cooperation in economy, trade, connectivity, culture, and other fields, and strengthen communication within multilateral mechanisms.”
The establishment of the new consulate general in Chongqing is expected to enhance consular services and facilitate greater collaboration between the two nations, contributing to prosperity and stability in the region.
Reference(s):
Vietnam to establish new consulate general in southwest China
cgtn.com
