国内英语新闻:Chinese, Vietnamese people hold mass gala

HANOI, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Vietnamese people kicked off a four-day mass gala here Saturday in Vietnamese capital city of Hanoi to celebrate 60 years of bilateral diplomatic ties.

Tong Thi Phong, Secretarty of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, said at the opening ceremony that bilateral friendly relations between Vietnam and China are the treasure of two peoples, and the two countries have seen strengthened cooperation in various fields in recent years.

Phong said the four-day big gathering of the Vietnamese and Chinese people will strengthen mutual understanding between the two countries, enrich bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and advance bilateral ties.

Chen Haosu, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said at the opening ceremony that China and Vietnam are good and close neighbors.

Chen said this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations and China-Vietnam Friendship Year. Friendly-exchange activities held throughout this year have brought two peoples closer, said Chen.

Chen expected the four-day gathering between Chinese and Vietnamese people could be conducted in the sprit of "carrying out traditional, strengthening friendship, promoting cooperation and advancing development".

Chen said he is confident that the gathering would contribute to the strengthening of mutual trust and cooperation.

Vu Xuan Hong, president of Vietnam Friendship Association attended the opening ceremony and spoke highly of the development of Vietnam-China friendly relations in recent years.

The four-day gathering includes a number of activities like seminars on education policies and social policies, and an evening gala themed in "China-Vietnam Friendship Night".