BEIJING -- Chinese and Vietnamese presidents pledged here Monday to handle maritime issues properly through dialogue and consultation and strengthen bilateral relations.

The two countries should manage their disagreements well and maintain maritime stability, Chinese President Xi Jinping said when meeting Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang, who is here to attend the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Xi called on both sides to cement the improving momentum of the bilateral relations by enhancing strategic communication and keeping their relations proceed in the correct direction.

China highly values its relations with Vietnam and wants to see better development of the two countries' comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Xi said.

"The Sino-Vietnamese relations have been advancing continuously since the two nations established diplomatic relations despite some twists and turns," he said.

As long as both countries focus on the overall and long-term interests, respect each other and carry out friendly consultation, the Chinese president said, their bilateral relations will continue to be consolidated and developed.

Vietnam is ready to properly deal with maritime issues through friendly consultation so that the issues will not affect its relations with China, Truong Tan Sang said.

He expressed willingness to increase high-level contact and non-government exchanges with China and strengthen mutual trust and cooperation to facilitate bilateral ties.