BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- A reception was held here Monday to mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-Vietnamdiplomatic relations.

    Chen Haosu, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), said China and Vietnam,as close neighbors, have a long history of friendly relations. To further promote the Sino-Vietnamese all-round friendly relations of cooperation is conducive to the reform and opening to the outside, as well as the development of both sides, and is in the fundamental interest of the two countries and their peoples.

    Chen noted that the CPAFFC is ready to work with its Vietnamesecounterparts to make due contribution to a long-term stable, good-neighborly relationship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries and its continuous development to enable the two countries be good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners for ever.

    Tran Van Luat, Vietnamese ambassador to China said the good neighborly relationship and all-round cooperation between the two countries have been consolidated and developed in all areas since the normalization of bilateral ties. The communist party, government and people of Vietnam always value the traditional friendship and cooperation with China, and are willing to enhance it with all strength, he said.

    Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and President of the Sino-Vietnamese Friendship Association Zhao Dongwan attended the reception. Enditem