BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China and Vietnam held a reception in Beijing on Friday to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

    Chen Haosu, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said China and Vietnam were friendly neighbors, which had frequent high-level visits, broad trade and economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges.

    Chen said the establishment of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) on Jan. 1, 2010 will further boost the mutually-beneficial cooperation between China and Vietnam.

Chen Zhili (C front), vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), attends a reception marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2010

Vietnamese Ambassador to China Nguyen Van Tho said he believed a series of activities to mark 2010 as the year of China-Vietnam friendship will advance the bilateral relations to a new hight.

    About 120 guests from both countries, including Chen Zhili, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress,attended the reception.

    China and Vietnam forged diplomatic relations on Jan. 18, 1950.