Hanoi, May 24 (VNA) – Vietnam and China held the first round of working-level negotiations on the demarcation of maritime boundaries beyond the mouth of the Tonkin Gulf, in Hanoi on May 21-22. In a friendly, frank and constructive atmosphere, both parties stated their positions on issues relating to the sea area off the Tonkin 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 Vietnam-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 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.
