Premier Li Keqiang meets with Vietnamese deputy prime minister Pham Binh Minh in Beijing on June 18. [Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li Keqiang meets with Vietnamese deputy prime minister Pham Binh Minh in Beijing on June 18. [Photo/China News Service]

China and Vietnam share far more common interests than disputes and should push forward cooperation on issues related to the sea, land and finance to reach concrete results as soon as possible, Premier Li Keqiang said during a meeting with Vietnamese deputy prime minister Pham Binh Minh on June 18.

Minh is on a visit to China to co-host the eighth meeting of the China-Vietnam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation.

Premier Li said friendly communication and cooperation has been the main theme of the two countries’ relations since they established diplomatic ties 65 years ago. The two sides should seize the opportunities to develop and cooperate in infrastructure construction and projects strengthening transport links so that China’s advanced industrial capacity could be paired with Vietnam’s demand for industrialization and modernization, he added.

The Premier also stressed the importance of having a rational attitude toward maritime disputes and boosting people-to-people exchanges between the two countries as it is the “basis” of friendly relationship.

Minh said Vietnam has always viewed China as a priority in its strategic and diplomatic relations, and Vietnam is willing to maintain high-level communication with China, launch cooperation with China in issues related to the sea, land and finance while handling disputes.

State Councilor Yang Jiechi attended the meeting.