Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc has arrived in Beijing on a six-day official visit. He was welcomed in the capital by Premier Li Keqiang. During talks, both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in various areas and raise bilateral ties.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) shakes hands with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 12, 2016. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

This is Nguyen Xuan Phuc's first visit to China after he was elected Prime Minister in July this year.

Premier Li Keqiang welcomed him at the Great Hall of the People.

During the meeting, Li said both countries should boost high-level exchanges, link development strategies and enhance communication between political parties, defense and law enforcement.

Li added that both sides should safeguard stability in the South China Sea, properly manage differences and build up consensus.

Nguyen said developing ties with China is Vietnam's diplomatic priority, and both sides should boost maritime cooperation under the spirit of equality and respect.

"This visit is significant to bilateral ties. The two leaders agreed to move their comprehensive strategic partnership into a new phase, and hold high-level exchanges between leaders more frequently," Chinese vice foreign minister Liu Zhenmin said.

In 2015, bilateral trade volume between China and Vietnam hit 95.8 billion U.S. dollars, a year-on-year growth of 14.6 percent.

According to official figures, in the first four months of 2016, trade volume between Vietnam and China reached 20.5 billion U.S. dollars.

During the same period, bilateral trade volume with China accounted for 19.66 percent of Vietnam's total trade volume. China remains Vietnam's biggest trade partner.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of a series of agreements, covering areas such as trade, infrastructure, and tourism.