On 9 March 2023, H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) met with H.E. Ambassador Pham Sao Mai of Viet Nam to China.

Secretary General Shi commended a profound “comradely and brotherly” friendship enjoyed by China and Viet Nam. Secretary General Shi said that the ACC stands ready to continue to play the role as a linking bridge between ASEAN and China, and step up efforts in securing more tangible outcomes in six priority areas of cooperation spearheaded by the ACC, so as to better implement the consensus between the leaders of China and ASEAN Member States (AMS) with Vietnam included, translate the ASEAN-China Year of Agricultural Development and Food Security Cooperation into concrete achievements, and ensure a steady progress in the future growth of ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

Ambassador Pham Sao Mai spoke highly of the ACC’s endeavor in promoting Viet Nam-China relations and advancing ASEAN-China relations in recent years. Ambassador Pham also appreciated the consistent strength in ASEAN-China relations despite the changing international situation. He said that the optimisation of China’s pandemic response measures will bring about more opportunities for AMS to resume cooperation and exchanges with China. The Vietnamese Embassy is willing to work with the ACC to speed up the implementation of important outcomes of H.E. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to China, enhance multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, and make greater contribution to regional peace, stability and prosperity.