Viet Nam and China held the first round of working-level negotiations on maritime area beyond the mouth of Bac Bo Gulf, in Ha Noi on May 21-22.

In a friendly, frank and constructive atmosphere, both parties stated their positions on issues relating to the maritime area off Bac Bo Gulf. They agreed to work together to speed up the negotiations and discuss cooperation for joint development in the area according to the principles stipulated in the Viet Nam-China Agreement on Basic Principles Guiding the Settlement of Maritime Issues signed in October, 2011.

Both sides discussed relevant contents, which will act as a foundation for the next round of talks. They agreed on how the negotiations should proceed, as well as on cooperating to jointly develop the area. The negotiation will be held twice a year on a rotational basis, with the next round taking place in the later half of this year.

Source: MOFA