Mrs. Phong, who is also head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Mass Mobilisation, made her statement, in Hanoi on January 15, while receiving a delegation from the Communist Party of China (CPC), headed by Chen Jianguo, Secretary of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Party Committee of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Mrs. Phong added that Vietnam-China relations will be fostered under the common motto: "Friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-lasting stability and future-oriented vision" and in the spirit of "four goods", namely good neighbours, good friends, good comrades and good partners.

The Vietnamese party official spoke highly of the recent developments in the two parties and the two countries' relations, adding that the successful visits exchanged between senior officials from the two sides in 2006 have brought their relations to a new height.

Mrs. Phong highlighted the significance of the cooperation between sectors and localities in Vietnam and China in the course of Party building work and national construction. The mutual collaboration, she asserted, would not only help reinforce and promote friendly relations between the two Parties and the two countries, but also their respective localities.

The Chinese guests shared the same view with the host, saying that the above-mentioned motto and "four goods", coupled with the common perception gained by leaders of the two sides, would pave the way for deeper development of Vietnam-China ties in the coming years.

Mr. Chen extended congratulations to the immense achievements made by the Party and Vietnamese people over the past 20 years of renovation.

He expressed his belief that the Vietnamese people, under the clear-sighted leadership of the CPV, will successfully lead the Socialist Republic of Vietnam towards its ultimate goal of rich people, strong country, and an equitable, democratic and civilised society.

Earlier, the CPC delegation held a working session with a delegation from the CPV Central Committee's Commission for Foreign Affairs.

During their stay in Vietnam, the Chinese guests will also visit a number of economic and cultural sites in Ho Chi Minh City and northern Quang Ninh province.