China and Vietnam agreed today to speed up the process of land border demarcation to ensure it will be finished and a new border administration document signed by 2008 on schedule.

In a joint statement issued during President Hu Jintao's visit to Vietnam, the two sides positively appraised implementation of the Beibu Bay Demarcation Agreement and the Beibu Bay Fishery Cooperation Agreement which came into force on June 30, 2004.

They also agreed to cooperate in cross-border exploration of oil and gas in Beibu Bay and start joint patrols there as early as possible, said the statement.

They agreed to open talks on the demarcation of the sea areas beyond the mouth of the Beibu Bay as early as possible, it added, and to maintain the maritime negotiation mechanism.

The two countries said they will study the possibility of carrying out joint development projects in the South China Sea and find the right modes and areas for such projects in accordance with international law and practices.

They also pledged to abide by the consensus reached by top leaders of the two countries and follow the tenets and principles contained in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, signed on November 4, 2002 in Cambodia between China and ASEAN.

(Xinhua News Agency November 2, 2005)