In a heartfelt gesture, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the Embassy of Vietnam in Beijing on Saturday to honor the passing of Nguyen Phu Trong, the esteemed General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee.
President Xi praised Nguyen as a staunch Marxist and a great leader who dedicated his life to the CPV, the Vietnamese people, and the advancement of socialism in Vietnam. He expressed deep respect and admiration for Nguyen's unwavering commitment, highlighting the significant impact he had on both the party and the nation.
Reflecting on their decade-long relationship, President Xi recalled the close contact and camaraderie they shared. He underscored that their joint announcement last year to elevate bilateral ties to a China-Vietnam community with a shared future marked a strategic milestone, strengthening the bonds between the two neighboring nations.
\"The passing of Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong has deprived us of a promoter of China-Vietnam relations and a companion for the cause of socialism, and we are deeply saddened,\" President Xi stated. He emphasized that Nguyen's outstanding contributions to the bilateral relations and the global socialist movement will always be remembered.
President Xi reiterated the CPC and the Chinese government's firm support for the CPV in uniting and leading the Vietnamese people to develop a form of socialism tailored to Vietnam's national conditions. He expressed confidence that under the CPV Central Committee's strong leadership, Vietnam will transform its grief into strength, continuing to achieve greater milestones in renovation, opening up, and socialist construction.
The Vietnamese Ambassador to China, Pham Sao Mai, highlighted that President Xi's visit and the CPC Central Committee's message of condolences demonstrate the profound importance both parties place on their relationship. Ambassador Mai noted the special affection President Xi holds for Nguyen Phu Trong, which deeply touched the Vietnamese side and fostered mutual gratitude.
Ambassador Mai affirmed that Nguyen Phu Trong greatly valued the relationship with China and made significant efforts to enhance the friendship between the two countries. Vietnam is committed to carrying forward Nguyen's legacy by implementing the shared understandings reached by the top leaders of both parties, prioritizing the development of China-Vietnam friendship, and advancing the construction of a community with a shared future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
