Beijing (VNA) – The Vietnamese Embassy in China hosted an exchange on August 6, welcoming a delegation of Chinese children from across the nation as part of the “witnesses to friendship” programme organised by the Home and Abroad News Press of Hong Kong.
Vietnamese children, who are family members of the embassy staff, also joined this event.
The budding "little reporters" from Beijing, Shanghai, Hebei, Shandong, Guangdong, and Guangxi, who are currently participating in international journalism training during their summer break, were introduced to a friendly Vietnam with dynamic development – a safe and attractive destination and a responsible member of the international community.
Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh underscored that the traditional friendship between Vietnam and China, described as comrades-plus-brothers, is a priceless shared asset that younger generations should continue nurturing and developing to a new height.
As the two nations are celebrating their 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and the Year of Vietnam – China Humanistic Exchange, the ambassador laid stress on the significance of initiatives like this programme that make positive contributions to their friendship.
Binh affirmed that the youth of Vietnam and China are "small ambassadors" and "witnesses to the friendship", urging them to study diligently, cultivate good virtues, and explore both similarities and distinctive characteristics in each other's cultures and languages to promote mutual understanding, trust, and genuine bonds.
He added that whether they grow up to become journalists, diplomats, or professionals in other fields, these children can one day become bridges of friendship and cooperation, telling new and inspiring stories of Vietnam – China relations.
The diplomat also encouraged youth exchanges through friendship programmes, summer camps, cultural interactions, and pen-pal activities, pledging the embassy’s full support in connecting schools and youth organisations from both countries to carry out such initiatives.
He underscored that the leaders of both countries place great expectations on their youth. He quoted Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam as saying that one of the most crucial directions of bilateral relations is strengthening a more solid social foundation in which young people play the core role. Likewise, Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping stressed that the root of Vietnam – China friendship lies in the people, and its future rests with the younger generations.
On the occasion, Vietnamese and Chinese children shared their deepest impressions about the two countries./.
