(VNF) – Authorized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam presented the medallion and certificate of appreciation to Deputy Chair of the Vietnam-China Friendship association and former Vietnam ambassador to China Bui Hong Phuc.

Counsellor of the Republic of China in Vietnam Zhang Lianyou, Deputy Chair of the Vietnam-China Friendship association Nguyen Vinh Quang and members of the association attended the ceremony.

The certificate and medallion is presented to Mr. Bui Hong Phuc as an acknowledgment and recognition for his contribution to the progress of friendship between Vietnamese and Chinese people.

Ambassador Hong (5th from left to right) presenting the medallion of honor and certificate of appreciation to Deputy Chair Phuc (sitting) (photo: Nhu Quynh)

At the ceremony, Ambassador of China to Vietnam Hong Xiaoyong showed his concern about the Deputy Chair’s health, expressing his thankfulness and highly appreciated the precious contribution Phuc has made in fostering the friendship and partnership between two countries, particularly in people-to-people diplomacy.

Hong underscored the two countries' long-standing friendship and partnership, which has been consolidated through regular exchanges at the level of the Party, State, National Assembly and government.

The ambassador stated that the visit of Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong in early 2017 has helped strengthened the Vietnam-China relations.

Hong also highlighted the two-way trade value in 2016 reached USD 100 billion. Besides, he noted about the coming trip of Chinese President Xi Jin Ping to Vietnam in November to attend the APEC summit.

On the occasion, Hong wished Phuc a speedy recovery, to continue witnessing the new height of Vietnam-China relations.

Ambassador Hong wishing Deputy Chair Phuc a speedy recovery (photo: Nhu Quynh)

For his part, Deputy Chair Bui Hong Phuc extended his thank to ambassador Hong for the visit as well as the certificate and medallion presented to him.

He expressed his delight and honor to receive acknowledgement and recognition for the contribution to Vietnam-China friendship.

Phuc expected that bilateral relations will further flourish in future./.