By Tao Jun, Le Yanna
HANOI, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The state visit to Vietnam by Chinese President Xi Jinping further boosted political trust and economic relations between the two countries, Vietnamese experts have said.
During the visit, Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Chinese president, had fruitful talks and meetings with top Vietnamese leaders, Vo Dai Luoc, director of Vietnam's Asia-Pacific Economic Center told Xinhua on Tuesday.
Leaders from the two sides witnessed 19 cooperative deals being signed, which showed closer ties between the two countries in various spheres, including political and economic cooperation as well as people-to-people exchanges, said the expert.
"Xi's visit to Vietnam this time is very noteworthy. This is his first overseas trip after the 19th CPC National Congress," said the Vietnamese expert, adding that this indicated the importance that the Chinese leader attaches to relations with Vietnam.
The cordial ties are also revealed by the fact that the "General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong held a welcome ceremony with the most dignified formalities, including a 21-gun salute," said Luoc.
During the talks and meetings and in a joint statement issued during Xi's visit, the Vietnamese expert said that the two sides reaffirmed their determination and pledge to broaden and deepen bilateral ties.
There were some points worthy of mention particularly, said Luoc.
Firstly, China has decided to provide aid to Vietnamese people who have been affected by natural disasters, especially typhoons, flash floods and landslides. "I think this has shown the heart of the Chinese party, state and people for Vietnam through concrete actions," Luoc stated.
Secondly, the 19 cooperative deals signed have not only underscored China's determination to boost socioeconomic cooperation with Vietnam, but also opened up new spheres of cooperation, including in renewable energy areas.
"China's solar energy industry is well developed. If China helps Vietnam develop renewable energy, it would help Vietnam greatly. Vietnam welcomes that. And Vietnam has a considerably large potential for renewable energy development," Luoc stated.
Thirdly, Vietnamese and Chinese leaders have assigned relevant ministries to map out potential cooperation programs and projects over the next five years, he said.
"This shows that the two sides have already defined concrete plans for long-term cooperation, not just short-term ones," the Vietnamese expert commented.
Vietnam-China cooperation in other fields such as industry, culture, healthcare, science, technology, bank supervision and cadre training have progressed very well, and now with the positive outcome of Xi's visit, they will further develop, Luoc said.
"If commitments in the joint statement are realized, the relations between the two countries will enter a new period of development," the expert stated.
Do Tien Sam, former director of the Institute of Chinese Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, on the other hand, was most impressed by contents included in the bilateral statement.
"Born in a rural area, I am always interested in concrete things related to farmers. China will open up wider doors for Vietnamese agro-products to enter its market in a stable manner, which will benefit both countries," Sam said.