"Vietnam and China are countries with homologous cultures, therefore culture, sports and tourism exchanges are among important pillars in the bilateral friendship," said Huynh Vinh Ai, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Since the 1990s, cooperation in culture, sports and tourism between Vietnam and China has brought fruitful outcomes, said Ai in an interview with Xinhua on Wednesday.
"The two countries have promoted comprehensive cooperation in all fields of culture, including heritage, exhibitions and photography among others. The two countries' art schools, museums and exhibitors have
maintained the exchanging of information, signed many cooperation agreements, as well as had reciprocal delegations and visits," said the official.
Affirming China is Vietnam's neighboring country with a long shared border line, the official said Vietnamese and Chinese passengers travel back and forth between two countries on road, by train, by sea and by air.
China has always been the market with the largest number of foreign arrivals in Vietnam, said Ai.
Statistics show that culture, sports and tourism remain the top areas for bilateral exchanges, contributing to the development of Vietnam-China relations, for the goal of peace and friendship between the two peoples, Ai said.
"Culture, sports and tourism works as a glue sticking economic, political, and social ties together, forming the identity of nations and regions. Vietnam and China are countries with similar cultures, thus culture, sports and tourism exchanges are among important pillars
in the bilateral friendship," Ai told reporters.
Addressing reporters' inquiry on his expectation over the upcoming visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Ai said he believes that the visit by President Xi to Vietnam will mark a milestone, which will make an important contribution to enhancing trust, friendship and boosting cooperation between the two parties and two countries, and bringing Vietnam-China relations to a new height.
"I hope that the visit will help strengthen friendship between the two countries' parties and governments, promote mutual trust and understanding, and contribute to the advancing momentum of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, for common benefits and desires of the countries' two peoples, for peace and stability of the region," said Ai.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Vietnam from Thursday to Friday.
