The Vietnamese Embassy in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) hosted a banquet on January 28 to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.

DPRK Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun, Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade Ri Myong San and Vice Chairman of the DPRK Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries Jon Young Jin were among the guests at the party.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Le Van Cu said that the establishment of Vietnam-DPRK diplomatic ties on January 31, 1950 opened a new chapter in the history of the friendship and cooperation between the two nations, proving great encouragement for national independence in each country.

He stressed that Vietnam always attaches importance to the traditional friendship and cooperation with the DPRK as well as supports the legitimate aspirations of and enduring efforts by the DPRK Party, Government and people to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsular with efforts towards national reunification.

DPRK Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun said that the friendship and cooperation fostered by late President Kim Dae-jung and Ho Chi Minh have grown during the fight for national independence and socialism in each country.

He added that the historical meeting between Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh and the DPRK leader, Kim Jong-il, in 2007 helped elevate the bilateral ties to a new level of development.

The minister also affirmed that the DPRK will do its utmost to further ties with Vietnam in all aspects, particularly politics, economics and culture.

On January 26, the DPRK Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries and the DPRK-Vietnam Friendship Association held a film screening and photo exhibition in Pyongyang to celebrate the event.

Also the same day, DPRK Foreign Deputy Minister Pak Gil Yon gave a reception for the Vietnamese Embassy staff on this occasion./.