Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Ha Noi, Dec. 1 (VNA) -- "The friendship between Viet Nam and China is an invaluable asset of the Parties and people of the two countries," General Secretary Nong Duc Manh of the Communist Party of Viet Nam assured the Chinese press.

He confirmed that the Vietnamese people will do all they can to constantly develop these ties and treasure them forever.

Party General Secretary Manh granted an interview to the Zhong Hua Ying Cai Za Zhi (Chinese People of Outstanding Ability) and the Jing Ji Shi Bao (Economic Times) on the occasion of his official visit to China from Nov.30-Dec.4.

Answering a question on China's role in Viet Nam's foreign policy, the Party leader said:

"Viet Nam and China are neighbours sharing mountains and rivers, and who fought side by side in their respective struggles for national liberation. The traditional relations between the Parties and people of the two countries were built and fostered by Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Mao Zedong and were inherited and developed by revolutionary generations of the two Communist Parties and countries."

Mr. Manh stressed that the Communist Party and the people of Viet Nam attach importance to relations with the Communist Party and people of China, describing them, in the words of President Ho Chi Minh, as those of "comradeship and fraternity."

He continued: "We believe that the Viet Nam-China friendship is an invaluable asset of the Parties and people of the two countries. We have done and will do all we can to develop these fine ties and treasure them forever."

Answering a question about Viet Nam's position on globalisation and international opinion on Viet Nam, Manh said globalisation was an objective trend, but one which has been recently influenced by a number of developed nations and multi-national capital groups. Therefore, it reflects both positive and negative phenomena, and both cooperation and struggle. The trend has introduced opportunity and challenge to developing nations.

He added that globalisation, and international economic integration, are trends combining development cooperation and complicated struggle, particularly for developing countries who want to protect national interests within an equitable and reasonable international economic order. In that context, he said each nation should be free to make its own choices on practical steps appropriate to grasp opportunities and mitigate the side-effects of globalisation. He said Viet Nam is oriented towards regional and international integration but on the basis of self-reliance, while firmly defending national independence and self-determination and ensuring the correct path for socialism. Viet Nam plans to strongly protect national interests and security, preserve traditional culture, and protect the environment while taking part in globalisation, the Party leader stressed.

He said the Vietnamese people have always appreciated support for the country's renewal process from international friends as well as public opinion around the world.

He noticed that world opinion has shown support for Viet Nam's renewal and open-door policy, as well as for the country's achievements in national development, which have ushered in social justice and political stability. He said world opinion has also expressed support for Viet Nam's external policy of multi-lateralisation and diversification, as well as its firm stance but flexible tactics.

"We always take note of serious constructive remarks from friends and public opinion to improve ourselves," said the Party chief.

Asked about political and economic ties between China and Viet Nam since the two countries normalised relations in 1991, the Vietnamese leader affirmed that those ties have been continuously strengthened and developed. The annual exchange of visits by high-level Party and State leaders has become a great tradition, contributing to the promotion of the relationship between Viet Nam and China.

Ministries and localities of the two countries have also frequently exchanged visits to share valuable renewal and reform experiences, Mr.Manh noted.

High-level leaders of the two countries defined guiding principles for bilateral ties in February 1999: "Friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-lasting stability, future-oriented thinking", Manh said, adding that in December 2000 Viet Nam and China issued a Joint Statement on comprehensive cooperation in the new century.

Mr. Manh described the signing of the Land Border Treaty, the Agreement on Demarcation of Bac Bo (Tonkin) Gulf and the Agreement on Fisheries Cooperation in Bac Bo Gulf as events of historical significance in bilateral ties and active contributions to regional and world peace, stability and development.

The Vietnamese Party leader told the papers that a number of economic cooperation projects between Viet Nam and China have been or will be carried out. Two-way trade has constantly increased and is expected to post at least USD 5 billion by 2005.

Viet Nam is satisfied with the successful development of bilateral relations in the recent past, Party General Secretary Manh cited.

On the goal of his visit to China, the Vietnamese Party leader said his visit is the continuation of previous meetings between high-level Party and State leaders.

He said the visit is of important significance in relations between the two Parties and States of Viet Nam and China as it takes place at the outset of a new century.

"I will hold talks with Party General Secretary and President Jiang Zemin and meet with other Chinese Party and State leaders".

Leaders of the two countries are to discuss major measures to boost bilateral friendship and comprehensive cooperation, consolidate the guiding principles of bilateral ties, and take the Viet Nam-China relationship to a new height of development in the 21st century, said the Vietnamese leader.

Apart from briefing each other on the recent situation in their respective Parties and countries, Mr. Manh and Chinese leaders will also compare notes on regional and international issues of common concern.

On the prospect of bilateral ties in the 21st century, the Vietnamese leader noted that both Viet Nam and China are socialist nations led by Communist Parties. At present, the two countries have been carrying out national renewal and open-door policies to boost economic construction and improve people's living conditions. Taking bilateral friendship and cooperation to a new plane of development in the 21st century conforms to the interests and aspirations of the two peoples for the benefit of regional and global peace, stability and development.

The consolidation and development of relations between the two Parties and countries in recent years has laid a firm foundation for further development of bilateral ties in the future, Mr. Manh asserted.

"I firmly believe that the friendly neighbourliness and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and China will be steadily and successfully developed in the 21st century, bringing ever-lasting peace and happiness to younger generations of the two countries," the Vietnamese leader said. VNA