The Party, Government and Vietnamese people always strive to maintain and maximise their traditional friendship with China for the benefit of the two peoples and the prosperity of the two nations.

Truong Tan Sang, Politburo member and standing member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee’s Secretariat, delivered the remark in Hanoi on April 27 while hosting a delegation of Chinese veterans who stood by Vietnamese soldiers in their struggle to gain national independence and reunification.

The delegation paid the visit on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and national reunification at the invitation of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations.

The visit is not only a chance for the delegation to meet their old comrades and friends but also helps build up the traditional friendly ties and comprehensive cooperation between the Vietnamese and Chinese peoples, Sang said, adding he hoped to receive more delegations of Chinese veterans and experts.

On behalf of the Party, State and Vietnamese people, Sang thanked the Chinese people for their sincere and valuable support in Vietnam ’s struggle for national independence and reunification as well as in the current process of national renovation and construction.

This year is a good chance for the two parties, states and peoples to join hands in building friendly, bilateral ties, stressed Sang, referring to the celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

For his part, Liu Ming, head of the delegation, expressed his joy at returning to Vietnam and witnessing the great, historic achievements of the Vietnamese people in the renovation and national construction process.

The Chinese friends relived unforgettable moments, such as when Late President Ho Chi Minh visited their units, and recalled their comradeship with Vietnamese soldiers and people.

They praised Vietnamese revolutionary heroism, creativity and ingenuity in the struggle to gain national independence and freedom, and affirmed their determination to develop the friendship of “comrades and brothers” between Vietnam and China./.