Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh stated that the success of the fourth Vietnam-China border defence friendship exchange programme has contributed to promoting the relationship between Vietnam and China, particularly between the peoples and border protection forces in border provinces.

General Ngo Xuan Lich and Senior Lieutenant General Fan Changlong at the inauguration ceremony for the Vietnam-China Border Friendship Cultural House

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh made the remarks at a conference held by the Ministry of Defence in Hanoi, on October 23, to review the results of the exchange programme which took place in late September.

Deputy Defence Minister Vinh emphasised that the Defence Ministries of both countries consider the programme as one of the most important events in consolidating the trust, friendship and cooperation for the mutual benefit of both sides, contributing to building a bilateral relationship of healthy and sustainable development.

The fourth Vietnam-China border defence friendship exchange programme took place in the northern border province of Lai Chau and the Yunnan province of China in late September.

The highlights of the event were the inauguration of the Vietnam-China Border Friendship Cultural House; a centre to introduce local culture, tourism and products at Ma Lu Thang Border Gate in Lai Chau province and the organisation of a joint exercise on cross-border anti-crime between the functional forces of the two countries.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh praised the armed forces, local authorities and people of Lai Chau for actively participating in the exchange programmes, thus, contributing to the success of the event.

On the occasion, the Ministry of Defence presented Certificates of Merit to 28 units and 67 inpiduals in recognition of their considerable contributions to the implementation of the exchange programme./.

VNF/NDO