Vietnam and China have spared no efforts to strengthen bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in early 1950, considering them a valuable asset, said an official.

President of Ho Chi Minh City’s Vietnam-China Friendship Association Duong Quan Ha delivered the comment at a get-together held in the city on Jan. 21 to celebrate 61 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations (Jan. 18).

In addition to enhancing political relations, the two sides have stepped up comprehensive cooperation by setting up cooperation mechanisms between the two Parties, governments and key sectors such as national defence, security and diplomacy, Ha said.

The official noted that Vietnam and China have also strengthened trade and investment ties, while increasing exchanges between their localities and people through a wide range of practical activities.

Chinese Consul General in HCM City Xu Mingliang said he was delighted at the results of bilateral cooperation over the past year.

Xu congratulated Vietnam on the successful organisation of the 11 th National Party Congress, expressing his belief that under the leadership of the new Party Central Committee, the Vietnamese people would comprehensively speed up the renewal process and realise the goal of building a powerful socialist Vietnam with wealthy people and a democratic, equitable and civilised society.

The Consul General said he hoped the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership would develop to a new level in the years to come./.