HANOI, Sept. 29 -- "Vietnam and China enjoy a long- standing traditional friendship. This is an invaluable asset of the two nations. It is the duty and responsibility of the present and future generations to maintain, nurture and develop such relations."

The remarks were made by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh at a reception on the 65th anniversary of China's National Day held in Vietnam's capital Hanoi on Monday.

Ninh said the party, state and the people of Vietnam are pleased to see the achievements obtained by the Chinese people, and strongly believe that in the current period of comprehensive reforms, the people of China will continue to obtain greater success in the cause of reforms, opening up and building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

"Over the past years, given the great efforts by two parties and states, our bilateral relations have witnessed robust growth. It is reflected in frequent meetings and contacts between our high- level leaders, excellent cooperation between our ministries, agencies, localities, and increased people-to-people exchanges. This has created a foundation to facilitate cooperation in other areas, such as economics, trade, investment, tourism and education, " Ninh told the reception.

"We hope that, given the tireless efforts of both countries, the Vietnam-China traditional friendship will be further consolidated, and the understanding and trust between the two peoples enhanced, contributing to the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two parties, states and peoples, for the benefit of peace, stability and development of the region and the world at large," said the Vietnamese official.

Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Hong Xiaoyong, for his part, said the "Nowadays, 1.3 billion Chinese people are committed to realizing the 'Two Centenary Goals' and the 'China Dream' of great rejuvenation. 'China dream' is interconnected with the dreams of the people of all other countries. China's development cannot be isolated from the world's development, and benefited from the peaceful development."

"We will never change our faith of working with all the other countries to achieve common development and prosperity. We will also unswervingly pursue the road of peaceful development," Hong said.

"As an Asian country, China always attaches great importance to cultivating good neighborly and friendly relations with neighboring countries, and striving to bring benefit to the regional countries. We will commit ourselves to developing amicable relationship and partnership with our neighbors, fostering an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood and pursuing the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness," said the Chinese ambassador.

"The Communist Party and the government of China consistently view and approach the China-Vietnam relationship from a strategic height and with a long-term perspective, see Vietnam as an important partner in the region," Hong said.

"We would like to continuously deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation and seek common development with Vietnam," Hong added.