BEIJING, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's embassy hosted a reception here Monday to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

    Nguyen Van Tho, the Vietnamese Ambassador to China, said that Vietnam has achieved remarkable progress in social, economic and cultural fields, and China has contributed a lot to its progress.

    "On behalf of the Vietnamese government and people, I thank the Chinese government and people as well as the international community and friends for their long-term support and help," Nguyen said.

    Nguyen also praised the close relations between Vietnam and China.

    Attending the reception were more than 100 guests from government, business and social organizations in China and Vietnam, including Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei and Liu Hongcai, vice minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

    Also present at the reception were diplomats from other embassies in China and representatives from international organizations.

    Founded on Sept. 2, 1945, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam established diplomatic ties with China on Jan. 18, 1950.