Chinese president arrives in Vietnam for state visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan are welcomed by Vietnamese senior officials upon their arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam, Nov 5, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

During the two-day visit, Xi will meet separately with Trong, Sang, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung.

He will also address the Vietnamese parliament on how to further promote China-Vietnam relations.

China and Vietnam are expected to sign a host of agreements on areas such as party-to-party cooperation, infrastructure, economy, trade, investment, culture and education.

"Despite the short time span of the visit, the achievements are expected to be fruitful," Li Jun, a senior official of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, said at a news briefing regarding Xi's visit earlier.

Xi's visit comes at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Bui Hong Phuc, vice president of Vietnam-China Friendship Association, deemed Xi's visit "the highest level visit to Vietnam by a Chinese leader" within 10 years, saying it is a great event in bilateral relations.

"I hope the visit will bring important outcomes, carrying joy for the two peoples," Phuc told Xinhua.

Relations between China and Vietnam sank to a low point last year due to disputes over the South China Sea, but the two sides have seen warmer ties with frequent high-level contacts this year.

Xi's trip is also reciprocal for previous visits to China by Trong and Sang.

Highlighting the shared interests between the two socialist countries led by communist parties, the leaders of both sides have agreed to bear in mind the overall situation of China-Vietnam friendship and seek common ground while shelving differences, so as to ensure that the bilateral relationship will develop on a right track.

China has been Vietnam's largest trading partner for 11 consecutive years, while Vietnam is now the second biggest ASEAN trading partner of China. The two countries have also witnessed enhanced people-to-people exchanges in recent years.

"President Xi is expected to draw up a blueprint together with Vietnamese leaders for the development of China-Vietnam ties in the new era from a strategic and long-term perspective," Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Hong Xiaoyong said.

Vietnam is the first leg of Xi's two-nation Asia tour, which will also take him to Singapore on Friday.