Vietnam-China Friendship Year 2010 will mark a new page in the history of bilateral relations, hopefully for more advantages and stability in the future. The remark was made by Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam, Sun Guoxiang, in a recent interview granted to a Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reporter, on the occasion of the 60^th anniversary of establishment of Vietnam-China diplomatic ties (18/1/1950-18/1/2010).

VOV: To mark this major event, leaders from both countries have agreed to observe 2010 as Vietnam-China Friendship Year. Could you please elaborate on the remarkable activities to be held this special year?

The Ambassador: First of all, through VOV, I would like to extend the best wishes to all listeners. 2010 - also Vietnam-China Friendship Year - will celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-China diplomatic ties with 36 diverse activities concerning areas such as politics, trade and humanism.

We will invite 3,000 Vietnamese youths to visit China for exchanges with Chinese counterparts to gain a better understanding of the history of relations between the two countries and foster the Vietnam-China friendship.

VOV: Activities in commemoration of late President Ho Chi Minh will be a highlight of the plan to mark the friendship year. Could you tell us more about these activities?

The Ambassador: A selection of 10 foreign leaders credited with the Chinese revolutionary services, including late President Ho Chi Minh, was held in 2009 in China. This indicated that Ho Chi Minh is always in the Chinese people’s hearts. He made significant contributions to Vietnam’s cause of national liberalization as well as the Chinese revolution. The Chinese people will never forget his contributions.

This friendship year will also celebrate the 120^th anniversary of the late President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday. On the occasion, we will publish a book on the central dormitory area in Guangxi, which was built during the war time at the request of President Ho Chi Minh in order to train Vietnam’s revolutionary soldiers.

On the occasion, China will send people who studied and worked with President Ho Chi Minh to visit Vietnam. They will tell stories of how President Ho Chi Minh found ways to save his country and strengthen friendly relations between the two countries. China will publish several poetry collections written by President Ho Chi Minh in Vietnamese and Chinese. I think the best way to remember Uncle Ho is to continue to develop Vietnam-China friendship ties.

VOV: What’s your evaluation of Vietnam-China co-operative ties over the past 60 years?

The Ambassador: Over the past 60 years, the two countries have  seen difficult times but the common trend has been co-operation, friendship, peace, stability and development. The two countries are important neighbours and friendly relations should be further promoted for mutual benefit. Leaders of the two countries have agreed to develop bilateral relations on the basis of the "16-word" motto (Friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive co-operation, durable stability and future-oriented vision) and the "four-good" spirit (Good neighbours, good friends, good comrades and good partners).

However, the bilateral relations cannot avoid several problems which must be resolved on the principle of mutual respect for mutual benefit. I believe the bilateral relations between the two countries will develop stably and sustainably. This is the common desire of the Chinese and Vietnamese.

VOV: What do you think of the two countries’ effort to deal with remaining issues?

The Ambassador: I highly value the effort of the two countries’ leaders in dealing with remaining issues, such as Tonkin Gulf demarcation and land border marking. Over the past decades, the two countries have ironed out two of three historic issues. The borderline is an important and complicated issue to deal with. Better resolving Tonkin Gulf and land border marking will help us settle sea-related issues also. The two sides will negotiate and discuss these issues in a peaceful and friendly manner to reach a final agreement that is satisfactory to both.

VOV: Thank you very much.