(VOVworld) - Leaders of Vietnam and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have exchanged greeting messages on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of Vietnam-DPRK diplomatic ties on January 31. In their messages, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Truong Tan Sang, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung said over the past 65 years, the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries have been growing in all fields.  First Secretary of the DPRK Workers’ Party Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly Kim Yong-nam, Prime Minister Pak Pong-ju, and Chairman of the Supreme People’s Assembly Choe Thae-bok hailed the significant achievements that Vietnam has gained in national development process. They expressed their belief that the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries will further flourish, while wishing Vietnam new developments in the coming years. On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also swapped greetings with Foreign Minister Ri Su-yong. 

As part of activities to celebrate this occasion, the DPRK Embassy in Hanoi hosted a banquet on Friday, which was attended by many senior officials of both sides.  Addressing the event, Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Pham Thi Hai Chuyen reviewed the 65-year history of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, affirming that Vietnam treasures the ties with the DPRK. Ambassador Kim Chang-il pledged that his country will continue exerting every effort to work with Vietnam in enhancing bilateral friendship and collaboration in all fields.