BEIJING - The sixth meeting of the China-Vietnam steering committee on cooperation was held in Beijing on Saturday, with the two sides agreeing to further advance bilateral ties.

The meeting was co-chaired by Chinese state councilor Yang Jiechi and Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Thien Nhan.

During the meeting, Yang said that China and Vietnam are close neighbors and need to implement the agreements reached by the two state leaders with a long-term view. They also must uphold the correct direction of developing bilateral ties to advance their strategic cooperation in a comprehensive way.

Yang said the two sides need to maintain high-level contact, improve efficiency of their cooperation, advance people-to-people exchanges, effectively manage and properly handle differences on the South China Sea and strengthen maritime cooperation.

Nguyen Thien Nhan said the party and government of Vietnam is willing to further advance the two sides' comprehensive, strategic and cooperative partnership, deepen political mutual trust and properly handle differences on the South China Sea.

A joint press release was issued by the two sides after the meeting. They agreed that it is of the fundamental interests of the two peoples for China and Vietnam to enhance strategic mutual trust and strengthen comprehensive cooperation.

An implementing plan in cultural fields and a five-year development plan on economic and trade cooperation were signed at the meeting to enhance their cooperation, according to the press release.

The two sides reiterated their stance on handling the differences on the South China Sea through friendly negotiation and peaceful discussion.

They also agreed in the press release to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea and make joint efforts to safeguard peace and stability of the South China Sea.