At the reception, the Vietnamese leaders praised the outcome of the 9th meeting of the steering committee for bilateral co-operation. The two sides agreed to further the role of the committee in promoting the traditional relationships and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Regarding the maritime dispute, Vietnamese leaders stressed the importance of complying agreements between the two countries, and avoiding further complication while promote dialogue. The Vietnamese side also proposed the two countries research a mechanism for search and rescue in the Gulf of Tonkin, implement the Declaration of Conduct effectively, establish a code of conduct in the near future and maintain regional peace.
