President Jiang warmly welcomed Tran’s official visit to China. He said that General Secretary Le Kha Phieu and he set the guiding principle of long-term stability, orientation towards the future, good-neighborliness and friendship and all-round cooperation in February last year, which demonstrates bilateral consensus. Under the guidance of the principle, friendly cooperation in all areas is displaying new momentum for development. The two countries have made frequent exchanges at all levels and enhanced political understanding and trust. Economic and trade cooperation has also been expanded. Trade between China and Viet Nam has hit the set target of two billion U.S. dollars. In regional and international affairs, the two sides have maintained close cooperation. What particularly needs to be pointed out is that the two countries successfully concluded the negotiations on the delimitation of Beibu Bay and on fishery, and will sign the two agreements of historical importance for China-Viet Nam relations on that very day. This achievement shows that the two sides are sincere in promoting bilateral good-neighborly friendship and all-round cooperation from the overall interests and a strategic high. It is also of great importance for the long-term stability of Beibu Bay region and long-term stable development of China-Viet Nam relations and a new contribution to to regional peace and development.

Jiang said that, looking back upon the development history of China-Viet Nam relations, the foundation of the Sino-Vietnamese relations has become stronger, and the relationship is distinctly characterized by mutual respect and support. Looking into the future, we are full of confidence in the constant development of the relations between the two parties and two countries. During President Tran’s current visit, we will issue a Joint Statement on all-round cooperation in the new century, which is an important document to specify the direction for the further development of friendly cooperation between China and Viet Nam in various fields and of historical importance.

Jiang stressed four points for the development of the Sino-Vietnamese relations in the new century. First, China will continue to develop state-to-state relationship with Vietnam on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-existence. The two parties’ friendly relations of cooperation should continue to be developed in accordance with the principles of independence, complete equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. Secondly, the two countries should maintain high-level contact as well as contact at other levels and strengthen cooperation in regional and multi-lateral international affairs. Thirdly, greater prominence should be given to the two countries' cooperation in the economic and trade and other fields. Fourthly, China and Vietnam have successfully resolved problems related to land boundary, demarcation in the Beibu Bay and its related fishing issue, laying the foundation that will enable the two countries to share a border of peace, friendship and long-term stability in the new century. However, in order to maintain true stability in the border areas, both sides should honor their political commitments and earnestly carry out agreements that have been reached and appropriately solve potential problems of various kinds in order to safeguard the two countries' relations.

President Jiang said that China has been working to develop its relations with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, including Viet Nam, and support the organization's unique role in promoting regional peace and development.

President Tran said that he was delighted to visit China at the turn of century. He warmly praised the achievements China has made since it launched the reform and opening-up drive. He said that the Vietnamese Party, government and people are sincerely delighted at China's rapid economic growth and the great improvement in its international standing. Viet Nam and China friendly neighbors connected by mountains and waters and share a long-term traditional friendship. The unity and cooperation between the two countries have been carefully nurtured by the older generation of leaders of the two countries in long-term revolutionary struggles. The Vietnamese government and people will never forget the valuable support and selfless assistance given by China during their struggle for national liberation and socialist construction. The two countries have celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and bilateral relations are now in a sound stage of development. The principle guiding the development of bilateral relations set by the Heads of State of the two countries points out the direction for the long-term stable and sound development of bilateral relations. The Vietnamese side hopes that Viet Nam-China relations of all-round friendly relations will score wide and profound development under its guidance.

Tran spoke highly of the 1999 land border agreement and the Beibu Bay demarcation and fishing agreements signed this time. These agreements are important ahcievements under the direct care of the highest leaders of the two countries and will form a solid foundation for all-round development of bilateral relations in the new century.

Tran said that both Viet Nam and China adhere to the road of socialism and the leadership of the communist parties. Both are undergoing reform and opening up and need a peaceful international environment for development. These are the favorable conditions for developing all-round cooperation between the two countries. He said that Viet Nam wishes to further increase the mutually beneficial cooperation with China in trade and the economy, and to push forward the cooperative ties to a new level. The Vietnamese side is also willing to enhance mutual support and cooperation with China in international affairs and make positive contribution to promoting the relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

On the Taiwan question, Tran said that Viet Nam has been consistently following the one-China policy. He said Viet Nam acknowledges that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing all parts of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. Viet Nam will consistently follow this policy.

Jiang appreciated Viet Nam's stand on the Taiwan issue, saying that China will always support Viet Nam's efforts to safeguard its independence and sovereignty and maintain its national characteristics.  

Tran also briefed Jiang on the domestic situation in Viet Nam, in particular the economic development and the 9th Party Congress to be convened next March.

Jiang appreciated the remarkable achievements made by the Vietnamese Party and government in nation-building efforts. He said that we are delighted to learn that the 9th Congress of the Vietnamese Communist Party will be convened next year. It will be a major event in the political life of the Vietnamese people. We wish the Congress a great success.

The two sides also exchanges views on the challenges the two countries both face in the new century and reached wide consensus.

Tran conveyed to Jiang greetings from General Secretary Le and other Vietnamese leaders. Jiang also asked Tran to transfer his greetings to General Secretary Le and other leaders in Viet Nam.

Before the talks, President Jiang held a ceremony in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People to welcome the delegation led by President Tran.