The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) and the Vietnam-China Friendship Organisation held a ceremony in Hanoi on Jan. 15 to celebrate the 60 th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties (Jan. 18).

Prominent at the function were Tong Thi Phong, Party Central Committee Secretary, Deputy Chairwomen of the National Assembly and President of the Vietnam-China Friendship Parliamentary Group; Vu Xuan Hong, VUFO President, and Chinese Ambassador Sun Guoxiang.

Addressing the ceremony, President of the Vietnam-China Friendship Organisation Doan Manh Giao affirmed that the Vietnam-China traditional friendship, which was fostered by President Ho Chi Minh and President Mao Zedong, has been developed constantly.

With efforts from both sides, relations between the two Parties and countries have seen historical breakthroughs. In May 2008, Party leaders of the two countries decided to set up the comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership, bringing their relations to a new height.

2010 is also the year when the Vietnam-China Friendship Organisation celebrates the 60 th founding anniversary, Giao said. He added that the organisation would try its best to contribute to developing the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Ambassador Sun Guoquiang said that 2010 is an important year for the two countries’ relations. He expressed his wish that China and Vietnam would continue develop cooperation, strengthen neighbourliness and boosting the comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership./.