President Truong Tan Sang has affirmed that Vietnam always bears in mind and appreciates the great support that the Communist Party, State and people of China have offered to Vietnam in the past struggle for independence and national construction and development at present.

Meeting with over 100 Chinese officials, former military experts and diplomats who used to work in Vietnam, scholars and students on June 20 in Beijing as part of his State-level visit, President Sang stressed Vietnam’s consistent policy of treasuring the friendship and comprehensive cooperation with China, considering it as a basic and long-term guideline and top priority in Vietnam’s external policy.

He said as two neighbouring countries, disputes are unavoidable, especially disputes at sea, but with bilateral efforts, good will and experience gained from the settlement of land border issues and demarcation of the Gulf of Tonkin , the two sides will be able to settle sea-related issues, ushering in an increasingly bright future for the two nations’ ties.

The leader said it is the two nations’ responsibility to educate their young generations on the Vietnam – China traditional friendship.

He thanked the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the Chinese People’s Association For Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-Vietnam Friendship Association for holding the event.

The participants, many of whom used to work as ambassadors, military experts, artists, lecturers and medical workers or study in Vietnam, vowed to continue fostering the bilateral friendship between Vietnam and China . They expressed their belief that under the leadership of the two Parties, the socialism-building process in the two countries will keep growing.-VNA