The achievements of the Vietnam-China cooperation during the past 60 years will form a foundation as well as a momentum for the two countries to elevate bilateral relations to a new level, said a diplomat.

Vietnamese Ambassador to China Nguyen Van Tho delivered the remarks at a ceremony hosted by the embassy in Beijing on Jan. 18 to celebrate the 60 th anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic ties (Jan. 18).

Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress Han Qide joined more than 500 local officials and representatives from diplomatic corps in the capital city of Beijing and the China-Vietnam Friendship Association at the event.

Tho said the traditional Vietnam-China friendship has developed constantly over the past six decades, despite a range of challenges and difficulties.

Generations of people of both nations have preserved and expanded the bilateral relationship, which were nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, President Mao Zedong and predecessor leaders, he noted.

Based on the motto “Friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-lasting stability and looking toward the future” and the “four-good” spirit “Good neighbours, good friends, good comrades and good partners,” Vietnam-China relations have grown in all fields, such as politics, economy, culture, education, training, security and national defence, the ambassador added.

Han shared this view, saying that the establishment of a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2008 lifted China-Vietnam ties to a new height.

The two countries have gained a lot of cooperation achievements in the areas of politics, economy, diplomacy, security, national defence, education and health care, as well as in dealing with international and regional issues, the official said.

China and Vietnam have already settled issues related to land border, thus creating favourable conditions for their people to boost neighbourliness, exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The vice chairman noted that the China-Vietnam relationship is entering a key stage with new development opportunities. The Party, Government and people of China always attaches importance to beefing up comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with Vietnam in order to bring practical benefits to the people of both nations and to promote peace, stability and development in the region, Han stressed./.