Top Vietnamese and Chinese leaders have exchanged messages of congratulations marking the 66th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries (January 18, 1950).

Beijing banquet marks 66th anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic ties.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Truong Tan Sang, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, cabled the messages to China’s Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress Zhang Dejiang.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, who is also Chairman of the Vietnam-China Steering Committee on Bilateral Cooperation, extended congratulations to Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi, who is Chairman of the China-Vietnam Steering Committee on Bilateral Cooperation, and to Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Vietnamese Ambassador to China Dang Minh Khoi and Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Hong Xiaoyong each hosted banquets to mark the event.

Vietnam – China relations have developed strongly in all fields since the two countries normalised ties in 1991. When the two nations agreed to build a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, based on the principle of the “16-word” motto (Friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-lasting stability and looking forward to the future) and the “four-good” spirit (Good neighbours, good friends, good comrades and good partners.)

Bilateral rade and economic cooperation has developed quickly between the countries, with two-way trade reaching 58 billion USD in 2014 and 54.8 billion USD in the first 10 months of 2015.

VNA