Cao Bang (VNA) – VietnameseMinister of National Defence Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich chaired a welcome ceremony onNovember 20 for a delegation from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, led by Ministerof National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Wei Fenghe, aspart of the fifth Vietnam-China border defence friendship exchange.

Following the welcome ceremony held in Phuc Hoa district ofthe northern border province of Cao Bang, the two ministers cut the ribbon andplanted trees to inaugurate Ta Lung friendly cultural centre.

They also attended a ceremony marking the fifth establishmentanniversary of friendly ties between Phuc Hoa district and the Chinese districtof Long Zhou in Chong Zuo city of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Addressing the event, Secretary of the Party Committee ofPhuc Hoa district Nong Thi Ha said that the two districts share a 22km borderline, a kindred spirit of neighbourliness, as well as many similarities interms of customs and culture.

Since the establishment of friendly relations in 2013, thetwo sides have reaped achievements in various fields such as border trade,cultural and sport exchanges, and tourism promotion, she said.

The ministers later visited an area displaying local productsat the Ta Lung friendly cultural centre.

Witnessing a joint drill on disaster and disease relief aidin Phuc Hoa district, Wei applauded the coordination, fighting spirit, andprofessionalism of the two armies, noting that the exercise has contributed todemonstrating the cooperation outcomes between the two sides.

For his part, Lich said the building and protection of theshared border towards friendship, stability, and development, as well as the supportfor residents in border areas in non-traditional security have remained top prioritiesfor the Vietnamese and Chinese Parties, Governments, people, and armies.

He stressed that the cooperation, friendship, comradeship andbrotherhood between Vietnam and China have been reflected through the drill.
 
The same day, the two sides engaged in a friendship seminar, and a cultural andart exchange programme held in Cao Bang province.

The border defencefriendship exchange aims to enhance political trust, build friendshipand solidarity, and promote result-oriented cooperation between the borderguards, authorities, and people of border localities of the two countries, thushelping to build a common border of peace, friendship, stability, cooperation,and development. 

Prior to activities in Cao Bang province, the two sides participated in a rangeof activities in China’s Long Zhou district. 

The first Vietnam-China border defence friendship exchange programme was heldin 2014 in Quang Ninh province, the second took place in Lao Cai in 2015, thethird in Lang Son in 2016, and the fourth in Lai Chau last year.–VNA