China and Vietnam agreed Thursday to properly deal with the maritime territorial issues in the South China Sea.

This is one of the five consensus decisions made at the fourth meeting of the China-Vietnam steering committee on cooperation, which was co-chaired by Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem.

China and Vietnam signed a package of agreements on the demarcation of their 1,300-kilometer land boundary last November. During the signing ceremony, the two nations agreed to begin discussions to formulate the guidelines to solve the sea issues.

Khiem reaffirmed Thursday that Vietnam was willing to work with China to properly handle the sea issues in light of the overall situation of bilateral relations and the friendship between the two peoples, as well as the need to maintain stability.

During the meeting, China and Vietnam also agreed to further increase political exchanges, deepen economic and trade cooperation, strengthen cultural exchanges as well as enhance coordination on major international and regional issues.

Citing that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-Vietnam diplomatic ties and the China-Vietnam Friendship Year, Dai said the bilateral relations were at a crucial period of inheriting the past and forging ahead into the future.

The 60-year history of bilateral relations prove that developing China-Vietnam friendship is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, said Dai, adding it is also conducive to the peace and prosperity of the region.

He said that since the third meeting of the China-Vietnam steering committee on cooperation last year, the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries had achieved new progress.

He mentioned growing political exchanges, productive mutual beneficial cooperation, dynamic cultural exchanges, progress in dealing with boundary issues, and closer coordination and mutual support on major international and regional issues.

Khiem said it was the firm position of the Vietnamese party and government to continuously enhance the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, which was also the priority of Vietnam's foreign relations.

Vietnam always remembers China's support and help for its revolution and construction and is committed to developing a long-lasting friendship with China, he stressed, adding Vietnam was willing to work with China to enhance cooperation in various areas.