Leaders greet anniversary of Chinese diplomatic ties

HA NOI — Leaders of the Vietnamese Party, State, Government and National Assembly have exchanged messages of greetings with their Chinese counterparts on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The message by Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, President Nguyen Minh Triet, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and NA Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong said: China was the first state in the world to recognise and establish diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam (now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam), marking an historical milestone in the time-honoured relationship between the two countries, creating a source of strong encouragement to the Vietnamese people’s resistance war and favourable conditions for the bilateral relations to develop in all aspects.

The Vietnamese people always bear in mind with deep gratitude the great support and assistance the fraternal Chinese Party, Government and people have extended to them during their past struggles for national liberation, as well as its present national construction.

"We are pleased to see that, in recent years, the Viet Nam-China friendly and co-operative relations have grown rapidly, strongly and comprehensively in all fields," they wrote.

Regular visits and meetings by senior leaders from both nations have been maintained, while mutual trust on the rise and exchanges and multifaceted co-operation expanded.

In particular, the agreement on the building of a comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership between Viet Nam and China on the basis of the "16-word" motto (Friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive co-operation, durable stability and future-oriented vision) and the "four-good" spirit (Good neighbours, good friends, good comrades and good partners) have formed a new and important momentum to elevate the bilateral relationship to a new height.

Outstanding issues in the bilateral relations have been tackled gradually, including the completion of the land border demarcation and marker planting, as well as the signing of documents regarding their shared land borders over the past two years, which were of historical significance.

The celebration of the 60th anniversary of Viet Nam-China diplomatic ties marked the beginning of the Year of Viet Nam-China Friendship 2010, the leaders noted, adding that this was a good opportunity to further strengthen the traditional friendship, solidarity, mutual trust and mutually beneficial co-operation between the two Parties, States and peoples.

They affirmed that the Party, State and people of Viet Nam always treasured and consistently did their utmost to develop the friendship and comprehensive co-operation with the fraternal Communist Party, Government and people of China.

"We believe that, through the concerted efforts of both sides, the Viet Nam-China comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership will continue to expand, bringing prosperity to both nations and happiness to their peoples," the Vietnamese leaders stressed.

Chinese Party General Secretary and State President Hu Jintao, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Wu Bangguo, and Premier of the State Council Wen Jiabao shared these views, writing in their message that the establishment of Viet Nam-China diplomatic relations was an important event and milestone in the history of the bilateral relationship. Over the past 60 years, the China-Viet Nam traditional friendship, which was set up and nurtured by predecessor leaders, had become dear to their peoples’ hearts.

Entering the new century based on the "16-word" motto and the "four-good" spirit, the relations between China and Viet Nam had constantly reached new heights, building up the comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership, they wrote.

Bilateral co-operation in all areas has reaped a lot of achievements, while issues related to border and territory have been dealt with step-by-step, and co-ordination in international and regional matters maintained.

Reality has proved that the promotion of the friendly neighbourliness and mutually beneficial co-operation between China and Viet Nam is in line with the common desires and basic interests of the two countries’ people.

The Chinese Party, Government and people attach great importance to developing the China-Viet Nam comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership.

"On the threshold of the new historic stage, we wish to join efforts with Viet Nam to uphold our time-honoured friendship, increase the friendly exchanges and expand co-operation for mutual benefits, thus opening up a new stage in the friendly neighbourliness and co-operation between China and Viet Nam," the Chinese leaders elaborated.

They went on to say that 2010 was the Year of China-Viet Nam Friendship, and China was willing to join hands with Viet Nam to organise celebrations and boost mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Vietnamese peoples, ushering in a new chapter in the China-Viet Nam relations.

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem, Chairman of the Vietnamese Steering Committee for Viet Nam-China Bilateral Co-operation, exchanged greetings with State Councillor Dai Bingguo, Chairman of the Chinese Steering Committee for China-Viet Nam Bilateral Co-operation, and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. — VNS