Young people play an important role in developing the traditional friendship between Vietnam and China , a Vietnamese official has said.

Le Hong Anh, Politburo member and permanent member of the Party Central Committee Secretariat made the affirmation in Hanoi on Dec. 22 at a meeting with representatives of Vietnamese and Chinese young people, who are attending the 12 th Vietnam-China Youth Friendship Gathering in Vietnam .

Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vice President of China Xi Jinping also attended the meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Le Hong Anh affirmed that the traditional friendship between the two countries contributed to the success of the revolutionary cause in each country in the 20 th century.

He said relations continue to be strengthened and elevated to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the 21 st century under the motto of “Friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-lasting stability, looking toward the future” and the spirit of “Good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, good partners”.

He praised the initiatives and positive results of recent exchanges between Vietnamese and Chinese young people, expressing his belief that this year’s gathering will help strengthen and promote friendship and mutual trust between the two countries’ youth.

The Chinese Vice President highlighted the fine development of the Vietnam-China traditional friendship, saying that the youth will become a key force of each country in the future.

He said the two sides’ leaders reached common perceptions during the visit to China by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in October this year, which contributed to deepening the Vietnam-China Friendship.

Xi Jinping affirmed that the time-honoured friendship between the two countries conforms to the aspirations of the two peoples, recommending the young people continue to further strengthen and develop the China-Vietnam traditional friendship./.