The Chinese Consul General to Ho Chi Minh City, Xu Mingliang, asserted that China attaches special importance to its traditional friendship with Vietnam.

At a ceremony to celebrate China’s 60th National Day organised by the HCM City chapter of the Vietnam-China Friendship Association (VCFA-HCM) on September 25, the Chinese Consul General affirmed that his country will unceasingly work to lift the two countries’ ties to a new height.

While the world has witnessed wide-ranging changes, the two countries have continued to strengthen their ties, trusting each other politically and stepping up economic cooperation, the Chinese official said.

Besides, he added that the two countries have supported each other and coordinated well on regional and international issues.

The Chinese official also underlined that the China-Vietnam friendship has brought practical benefits for the two countries’ people, in line with their mutual aspirations, and positively contributing to each country’s renovation, construction and development cause.

Addressing the function, the VCFA-HCM President, Duong Quan Ha, praised China ’s achievement record, especially in the past 30 years of implementing its “openness” policy.

“During the renovation and renewal process of each country, Vietnam-China ties have seen new and effective developments in all areas,” Ha said.

He cited an annual 20 percent increase in two-way trade and the achievement of a bilateral trade value of 20 billion USD, three years ahead of schedule, in support of this assessment.

The VCFA-HCM has organised numerous specific activities to enhance economic, investment, cultural and educational ties between the Vietnamese and Chinese peoples.

HCM City has, to date, established sisterhood ties with Shanghai, Guangzhou, Guangdong, and Shen Yang cities./.