BEIJING - Experts from China and Vietnam began their first round of negotiations on low-sensitivity maritime cooperation programs on Tuesday, according to a press release from the Foreign Ministry.

The negotiations from Tuesday to Wednesday have included discussions on multiple areas of cooperation, including environmental protection, scientific research, search and rescue operations and disaster prevention and reduction.

The two sides also reached a consensus on establishing relevant principles for cooperation and a working mechanism.

The second round of negotiations will be held in Vietnam in the second half of this year.

Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying met with experts from both countries on the sidelines of the negotiations.