Even though it is a regular visit, it is an important event. Top leaders of the two parties and two countries had their first meetings after China successfully organised its 17^th National Party Congress and completed the election of high-ranking personnel to its key Party and State organisations for the 2007-2012 period. Therefore, Mr Manh’s visit provides the chance for the two countries’ leaders to discuss measures to foster bilateral ties in the coming years. High on the agenda will be measures to speed up the implementation of agreements signed between the two governments, particularly the completion of border demarcation and landmark planting in 2008, and to solve pending issues concerning bilateral ties.

Both Vietnam and China have made important achievements during the renewal and reform process in their respective countries. Neighbourliness is an important factor behind success in the development process.

Despite being the largest country in Asia, China has achieved the highest economic growth rate in the world over the past years, averaging more than 8 percent per annum. Economists say if this third-biggest economy maintains its growth, it will catch up with the US - the world’s No1 economy - in the next three decades. To achieve this vibrant economic development, China has maintained peaceful and stable relations with all countries, including its neighbours.

Vietnam and China have certain similarities in their historical and cultural background as well as socio-political systems as they both advance towards socialism. Vietnam has the highest economic growth rate among China’s neighbours. In his first-ever address at the Vietnam National Assembly during an official visit in December 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao affirmed that the two neighbours were both at a "crucial stage" of reform and development, a stage that demands more co-operation and mutual trust. He said, "It is in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples to enhance our friendship and trust, promote co-operation for mutual benefit and common development."

The Party and State of Vietnam have always attached importance to maintaining and developing the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with China, considering it an important factor behind the success of the country’s renewal process. Besides developing political relations, economic and trade ties between Vietnam and China have grown and flourished, with two-way trade last year reaching US$15.85 billion, higher than the US$15 billion target set for 2010, and making China become Vietnam’s biggest trade partner. The result testified to the two countries’ determination to develop bilateral relations under the motto of “friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability and future orientation”, and in the spirit of “good neighbours, good friends, good comrades and good partners.”

While China is putting the finishing touches to a sports complex for the upcoming Olympic Games to be held in Beijing this August, it is mobilising forces to overcome the catastrophic consequences of the 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Sichuan province. Thanks to a tremendous effort, rescue forces have saved thousands of people and rapidly restored production and people’s lives in the devasted areas. The visit to China by Party General Secretary Manh is also a chance for the Vietnamese Party and State to show their sentiments, sympathy and admiration for those enormous efforts by the Chinese Party and State.