Vice President Zeng Qinghong met in Beijing Friday with Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Pham Van Tra.

Zeng said the bilateral relations between China and Vietnam have maintained a good development, experienced long-term stability, orientation toward the future, friendliness and holistic cooperation.

He said the two countries also enjoyed good cooperation and exchanges in politics, economy, military, science and technology, furthering strengthening China-Vietnam relations.

Zeng quoted China's policy of treating neighbors well and as partners, saying that China is ready to join hands with Vietnam to deepen trust and cooperation and properly handle problems in bilateral relations.

Tra said Vietnam attaches great importance to the relations between the two countries and two armies. He said he hoped his visit would help promote bilateral relations.

He also congratulated China on its successful launch and return of the Shenzhou VI spacecraft.

(Xinhua News Agency October 28, 2005)