Consensus and cooperation between China and Vietnam constitute the mainstream in the bilateral relations, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Hanoi on October 7.

"Strengthening Sino-Vietnamese relations, the most important common ground reached by the two countries, is conducive to the economic construction of the two countries of their own, and helps promote the development of the human being," Wen said.

During the meeting here with the General-Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Nong Duc Manh, Wen said he has held a friendly and frank talk with Prime Minister Phan Van Khai Thursday morning, and reached common ground on many major issues. The two sides agreed that developing the good-neighborly relations conforms to the fundamental interest of the two peoples, Wen said.

He stressed the Chinese government and the Communist Party of China (CPC) attach importance to the relationship with Vietnam, and have always taken it as the top priority in China's foreign policy strategy.

Wen said as long as the two sides follow the sixteen-slash guiding principle of "long-term stability, facing the future, good-neighborliness and friendship, and all-round cooperation", Sino-Vietnamese relations could develop smoothly.

Wen congratulated on the achievements that Vietnam has made since it pursued reform and opening-up policy. He said Vietnam currently has enjoyed economic growth and social stability, and the living standard of the people has increased quickly.

The Chinese government and people are happy to see the changes in Vietnam, he said, adding that Vietnam's hosting of the 5th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit shows its achievements on foreign affairs.

Manh said the Vietnam-China friendship, fostered by the old generations of the leadership of the two countries, should be inherited and furthered. Vietnamese party and government will advance the friendly cooperation with China in accordance with the sixteen-slash guideline to enable the two countries to become good neighbors, friends, comrades and partners.

Manh expressed appreciation for China's rapid economic development and social prosperity, and he is also thankful for China's support to Vietnam during the country's national independent campaign and the socialist economic construction.