The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) will try its best to tighten its traditional friendship with the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) to contribute to boosting friendship and cooperation between the two nations, said a KKE official.

Mpellou Eleni, KKE politburo member in charge of ideological affairs, who is leading a KKE delegation on a week-long working visit to Vietnam , made the remark while meeting with To Huy Rua, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and Head of its Information and Education Commission in Hanoi on April 21.

The Greek party official praised Vietnam ’s achievements in its national renewal over the past 25 years, describing them as good experiences from which to learn for the KKE and other forces working for peace, democracy and socialism in the world.

He briefed the host on major issues in his country and in the EU, especially the impact of the global economic crisis and future prospects for left-wing forces in Europe .

Rua briefed the guest on recent developments in Vietnam and preparations for the 11th Congress of the CPV in 2011. He affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to the enhancement of friendship and cooperation with the KKE and the Greek people.

Rua expressed the wish that the KKE would overcome difficulties to confirm its position and fulfil its targets in their struggle for the people’s welfare, democracy and social progress.

Earlier Hoang Binh Quan, politburo member, Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations held talks with the KKE delegation.

The two sides exchanged views on international issues of mutual concern and worked out measures to further boost cooperation between the two Parties and countries, as well as between Vietnam and the EU.

During the visit, which started on April 16, the KKE delegation paid a tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum and had working sessions with the CPVCC Theoretical Council, the Ho Chi Minh Politics and Administration Academy , the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Communist Review.

They also visited the port city of Hai Phong and the coastal province of Quang Ninh in the north./.