On May 10, 2013, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Thien Nhan at Ziguangge of Zhongnanhai.

Li Keqiang said that China and Vietnam are important neighbors to each other, and it is in the fundamental interests of both countries to maintain high-level strategic communication, deepen practical cooperation in all fields and properly settle differences. It will also work positively for the stability and development of the region. Both countries view each other's development as a major opportunity. The two countries need to take a strategic and all-round perspective of the bilateral relationship, to enhance political trust, expand common interests, strengthen traditional friendship, so as to further promote the relationship.

Li Keqiang stressed that it is the common aspiration of the Chinese and Vietnamese people to develop the good-neighborly and friendly relationship. It requires favourable conditions and atmosphere. The two sides should control and properly settle the differences on the South China Sea, not let it interfere the development of bilateral relations and mutual cooperation.

Nguyen Thien Nhan said the Party, the government and the people of Vietnam hailed China for the remarkable achievements. Vietnam is willing to carry out the agreements reached by the two countries, to enhance the traditional friendship, to promote trade and economic cooperation, to increase people-to-people exchanges and properly settle South China Sea issues so as to bring the comprehensive friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries to a new high.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi was present at the meeting.