Vietnam-China relations are an invaluable asset beneficial to both countries. The present and future generations must work hard to develop and nurture this relationship, a Vietnamese official said on Monday.

Speaking at a reception celebrating China's 65^th National Day in Hanoi, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh hailed Beijing's development efforts. There is no doubt that China's continued efforts to transform its society will bring greater successes and foster socialism within its community, he added.

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Bilateral relations between the two nations have drastically improved in recent years. This relationship has been the foundation for mutual cooperation in the economic, education, investment, tourism and trade sectors, Ninh relayed.

The Vietnam official stressed the need for continued efforts to promote mutual understanding, friendship and trust for a strong strategic partnership that would contribute to the peace and stability of the region and the world.

In response, China's ambassador to Vietnam Hong Xiaoyong said Beijing remains committed to its goal in realizing its potential but that it would do so simultaneously with the world's development.

He emphasized the importance of nurturing bilateral relations with neighbor states, adding that China will continue to pool efforts with partner nations to achieve mutual success and steadfastly follow the road for peaceful development.

China pledges to strive to develop amicable relations with its neighbors to promote a safe and prosperous environment and pursue principles of inclusiveness, amity, sincerity and mutual benefit, Hong added.

"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," he said.

Bilateral relations between the two countries have been strained since May when China deployed an oil rig in mutually-contested islands in the South China Sea.  The move elicited outrage from Vietnam which ultimately resulted in a series of clashes between Vietnamese and Chinese vessels.

Last month, Vietnamese envoy Le Hong Anh visited Chinese President Xi Jinping to help ease tensions in the disputed waters. According to Vietnam's Foreign Ministry, both countries have agreed to halt provocative actions in the South China Sea while working to arrive at a negotiated solution to resolve the territorial row, Wall Street Journal reported.

TagsVietnam, Paracel Islands, Regional cooperation, mutual trust, Vu Van Ninh, 65th National Day, Le Hong Anh, Hong Xiaoyong