National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung emphasised this at a reception for Chinese ambassador to Vietnam Kong Xuanyou in Hanoi on January 16.

Mr Hung said he was pleased with the development of Vietnam-China relations, especially after Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to China and State Vice President Xi Jinping’s visit to Vietnam last year. He said he believes that the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries will be further enhanced under the motto of “Friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability and future-oriented vision” and in the spirit of “Good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, and good partners”.

The chief legislator highly valued Mr Kong’s fine sentiments towards Vietnam and proposed that both sides boost the implementation of joint agreements signed by their leaders.

Vietnam and China should strengthen cooperation, especially at the local level, in order to establish a peaceful, cooperative, and friendly environment, said Mr Hung.

He also took the opportunity to convey his best wishes to Party General Secretary and State President Hu Jintao and other Chinese Party and State leaders.

For his part, Ambassador Kong recommended Vietnam and China enhance solidarity and cooperation to deal with external challenges and settle any disputes between the two sides.

He also said he hopes that the two national legislative bodies will promote exchanges of high-ranking delegations and parliamentarian groups to nurture bilateral friendship.