Vietnam and China agreed that bilateral ties have developed rapidly, comprehensively and profoundly under the 16-character guiding principle of "long-term stability, future orientation, good-neighborly friendship, and all-round cooperation."

In a joint communique issued during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's official visit, the two sides said leaders of both countries have exchanged frequent visits with strengthened political mutual trust, marked results in economic and trade cooperation, and positive progress in the resolution of problems left over by history.

Exchanges and cooperation in other fields have also been expanding with each passing day, and the two sides have supported and coordinated with each other in international and regional affairs.

Wen, who arrived here Wednesday, has had an in-depth exchange of views with Vietnamese leaders on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern in a cordial, friendly and pragmatic atmosphere, the communique said.

Against a backdrop of profound changes in international affairs, maintaining the lasting stability, and sound and smooth development ties between the two countries accords with the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, the document said, adding that the two countries share common strategic interest in many major issues.

The governments of the two countries vowed to continue sticking to the 16-character principle, carry forward traditional friendship, open up mutually beneficial cooperation and address sensitive issues in a timely manner, so as to incessantly push bilateral ties to new and higher levels, the document said.

The two sides agreed to go on maintaining high-level contacts and strengthen friendly exchanges between various departments, localities, and non-governmental organizations so as to earnestly put into effect the cooperation documents between diplomatic, defense and law enforcement departments of the two countries.

They also pledged to deepen comprehensive cooperation and encourage and support pragmatic cooperation in economy and trade, science and technology, education, culture and other fields in search of broader common interest.

On trade, the two sides expressed satisfaction with the major progress achieved in bilateral trade and economic cooperation, vowing to increase their trade to 10 billion US dollars by 2010. The two sides also agreed to explore the feasibility of establishing an economic corridor along the border regions and a pan-Beibu Bay economic sphere.

China and Vietnam will strengthen the exchange of experience and practice in managing the party and running the country and further deepen the communication between the two countries' younger generations, the document said.