Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh on March 11 hosted a reception in the northeastern border province of Quang Ninh for Lieutenant General Qi Jianguo, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

Qi is leading a delegation of the Chinese Defence Ministry to attend the Vietnam-China friendship border defence exchange programme in Quang Ninh.

Thanh said Vietnam is determined to develop its comprehensive cooperative relations with China , suggesting that both sides boost the exchange of high-level visits and young officers, together with expanding twin relations.

He also extended sympathies to families of Chinese passengers on board the missing Malaysian airplane, which Vietnam is exerting every effort to search for.

Qi thanked Vietnam for its active participation in the search.

Agreeing with Thanh’s proposal, the guest voiced his hope that the two armies will intensify delegation exchanges at all levels and collaboration in personnel training and border and marine work.

On the same day, Lieutenant General Qi Jianguo and the Chinese delegation visited the Tra Co border guard post.-VNA