General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong kicked off an official visit to China on Tuesday, his second trip to China since he took office. As an important exchange between the ruling parties of China and Vietnam, the ongoing visit came as the two countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and hence carries huge historical and realistic significance for bilateral relations.

The top-level exchanges between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and CPV serve as ballast for the bilateral relations. Since the Asian neighbors established diplomatic ties on January 18, 1950, profound changes have taken place in the regional and international scenario. There have also been setbacks in the bilateral relations, but the two parties have maintained a good momentum, which pushes forward the relations of the two countries in a steady and healthy way, with friendship and cooperation always as the theme.

In recent years, the relationship between Vietnam and China has made big strides forward under the leadership of the two ruling parties. The pair have stuck to the principle of "long-term stability, future orientation, good-neighborly friendship and all-round cooperation," defined their bond as "good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners," and lifted the ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Dozens of cooperation mechanisms have been initiated at multiple levels and in various sectors. The mutual visits and communication between the two parties and governments have been bolstered and promoted. Regular seminars on party theories have been held since 2005 to develop the inter-party relationship both theoretically and practically.

After conflicts over China's oil drilling in the South China Sea in May last year, bilateral ties have been gradually improving. In August, senior CPC officials met with Le Hong Anh, Trong's special envoy, and reached a consensus on advancing the inter-party relationship and maritime risk management. With the concerted efforts of the two parties and governments, tensions caused by maritime frictions have been put under control.

The particular ties between the CPC and CPV make the relations between China and Vietnam special. As long as frequent exchanges can be maintained between the top officials of the two governments and smooth communication continues between the two parties, there will always be a solution to any conflict or divergence between the pair.

The author is a Beijing-based correspondent  with the Voice of Vietnam. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn