Feature: Photo exhibition celebrates 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China, Vietnam

Looking at the old photos, I found that China and Vietnam have been cooperating closely for many years, not only politically but also culturally, just like brothers in a family,"Lin Min, a Chinese student who is studying Vietnamese at a University in Hanoi, told Xinhua on the occasion of a photographic exhibition to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Vietnam, held here on Monday. "The exhibition is of great significance on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties,"Lin said.

Nearly 120 photos and artifacts showing the friendship between China and Vietnam over the past 65 years are on display at the Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi.

Among those are photos of President Ho Chi Minh and Chinese leaders and dignitaries, photos showing the support of China in Vietnam's struggle for national independence and the visits of high-ranking leaders from both countries, as well as images showing bilateral cooperation in many areas over the past years.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the exhibition on Monday, Vuong Duy Bien, Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism,said the exhibition is a cultural activity with great significance in contributing to strengthening and developing the relations between the two countries, for the prosperity of both sides and peace and stability in the region and the world. "Vietnam and China are two neighbors which have a traditional friendship shaped by late Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The friendly relations between the two countries are being continuously nurtured by both parties and peoples,"Bien said.

Chinese Ambassador, Hong Xiaoyong, for his part, said at the opening ceremony that the photos and artifacts at the exhibition showcase significant historical moments of the countries' bilateral relations over the past 65 years, from politics and economics, to culture and education. "I hope that through the exhibition, people will learn more about the path that China and Vietnam have trodden together over the past 65 years, that has seen both countries nurture and safeguard such an important bilateral union,"Hong said.

China is willing to work with Vietnam to further promote the traditional friendship, strengthen exchanges, enhance mutual political trust and deepen pragmatic cooperation, Hong said.

"I believe that with joint efforts of the two sides, the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Vietnam will be further developed, bringing benefits to both peoples."

Tran Thi Thu Ha, 22, a Vietnamese student told Xinhua that through the photos, she found that Vietnam and China have been friends since the time Vietnam was suffering great difficulties historically. "People often say that a friendship between those who help each other in times of difficulty will be the most durable relationship. After many years, the relationship between Vietnam and China has progressed well,"said Ha, adding that she hoped that the relationship between the two countries would continue to deepen and progress.

Similarly, Pang Miaojie, a Chinese student in Vietnam told Xinhua that"China and Vietnam have a long traditional friendship and despite ups and downs, the relations between the two countries and its peoples will be further promoted."

China became the first country to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam on Jan. 18, 1950. Endi