Chinese President Hu Jintao says the Chinese government will consistently support Vietnam's early entry into the World Trade Organization and hopes an early conclusion of its WTO negotiations.

The Chinese president made the remarks on Friday when meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart Tran Duc Luong on the eve of the 12th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Hu Jintao said bilateral relations, guided by the principles of long-term stability, orientation towards the future, good-neighborly friendship and all-around cooperation, have progressed soundly. He added that China is willing to work together with Vietnam to push forward bilateral ties to a new stage.

The Chinese president noted that the two countries' land border demarcation is progressing smoothly while the two agreements on Beibu Gulf are under implementation.

The Vietnamese president, for his part, reaffirmed Hanoi's willingness to further strengthen cooperation with China in various fields.

He said Hanoi will work together with the Chinese side to advance bilateral friendly cooperation in an all-around fashion.

(CRI.com November 20, 2004)