Vietnam is always keen to boost its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Vietnamese Ambassador to China Nguyen Van Tho has said on the anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic ties. The Ambassador made the statement during banquet hosted by the Vietnamese Embassy in China on Friday, January 17, to mark the 64th anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic ties (January 18, 1950-2014).

The establishment of ties was a milestone leading to the current all-around cooperation between the two countries, Tho said.

He also emphasized that despite many ups and downs in bilateral ties as well as  complexities in the regional and international situation, the friendship between Vietnam and China has remained steadfast.

China has been Vietnam’s largest partner during the past nine consecutive years, with two-way trade amounting US$50 billion in 2013, the ambassador said

He also said he believed that the Vietnam-China partnership will further flourish in line with the wishes of both countries.

Meanwhile, Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin stated in his speech that the bilateral relationship has recorded positive progress last year and that China considers Vietnam as an important part of its external relations.

He also said China is ready to work with Vietnam to boost exchanges of delegations and all-round cooperation and seek proper measures to settle all maritime issues for mutual benefit. Leaders of both China and Vietnam have achieved common perception on promoting the friendship and settling existing issues appropriately, he added.