The seventh Conference on ASEAN-China People-to-People Friendship Organizations (CACPPFO) opened in Hanoi on August 16, with the attendance of the chairs of the friendship organisations of ASEAN nations and China.

On the theme of “Solidarity, friendship, cooperation and development”, the conference is part of activities for the 45th anniversary of ASEAN’s establishment and marking 21 years since ASEAN and China set up a strategic partnership.

The event gave ASEAN nations and China the chance to review people-to-people friendship activities run by the CACPPFO over past years and offer initiatives to launch similar bilateral or multilateral activities in coming years.

In his welcome speech, Deputy PM Nguyen Thien Nhan praised the CACPPFO’s friendship activities and the organisation of the event.

ASEAN has become a comprehensive regional cooperation organisation, a dynamic socio-political entity which plays an important role in the region and the world, he said.

Mr Nhan went on to say that the effective relations between ASEAN and China will promote peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia and contribute to peace, prosperity and development of regional countries.

He said he hopes the conference will contribute to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding and respect between Vietnamese and Chinese people as well as between ASEAN and Chinese people, thus helping to realise the ASEAN-China strategic partnership.

Regarding Vietnam-China relationship, Deputy PM Nhan affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State and people always give priority to developing the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

During the two-day conference, delegates will also discuss measures to promote friendship and cooperation activities between ASEAN and Chinese people in the coming years.

(VOV)