The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) and the Vietnam – China Friendship Association (VCFA) hosted a get-together in Hanoi on Sept. 30 to mark China’s 62 nd National Day.

VCFA President Doan Manh Giao congratulated the Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam, Kong Xuanyou, and the Chinese Embassy’s staff, and extended the best greetings to the leaders and people of China.

Regarding bilateral relations, Giao said the promotion of exchanges, mutual understanding, respect and trust between the Vietnamese and Chinese people is an important factor and in accordance with their long-term aspirations and interests.

Last year, relevant agencies and people of Vietnam and China organised a series of friendly activities to celebrate the 60 th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the Vietnam-China Friendship Year, he noted.

For his part, Kong expressed his delight at the overall development of the relationship between the two countries. Economic and trade cooperation has reaped a wide range of achievements, with two-way trade reaching almost 25 billion USD in the first eight months of 2011, a year-on-year increase of 35 percent.

The diplomat thanked VUFO and VCFA for hosting activities that have effectively contributed to strengthening the friendship between the Chinese and Vietnamese people as well as promoting the China-Vietnam friendly neighbourliness and comprehensive cooperation./.