Addressing the function, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem described the completion of the work as an event of great historical significance in bilateral relations.

He said the completion, together with the realisation of the land border treaty, will lay a firm legal foundation for the two countries to build their border into one of peace, friendship, cooperation and long-term stability and to open up opportunities for development in their respective countries, especially in border provinces.

“This is a vivid manifestation of the comprehensive and strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries. It also delivers a message to the world that the relationship between Vietnam and China is developing well,” said Mr Khiem.

Dai Bingguo, a member of the Chinese State Council, acknowledged the two countries’ efforts in completing the project to meet their people’s common desire to build an everlasting borderline.

He said that the two countries will settle all pending issues in the future no matter how difficult they are, if they pursue the motto of ‘friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive co-operation, long-term stability, and a future oriented vision" in the spirit of "good neighbours, good friends, good comrades and good partners" as defined by their top leaders.

Mr Khiem and Mr Dai agreed that the two countries will continue to work closely towards the signing of a number of related documents this year to bring the Vietnam-China border treaty to life.

The Vietnamese and Chinese representatives unveiled markers No 1116 and 1117.

Later, Mr Khiem held talks with Mr Dai at the Lang Son provincial borderguard station.

In the evening, celebrations were also held in Lang Son province and China’s Pingxiang town.