Connected by mountains and waters, Xi said the two socialist countries have been in each other's company in striving for national independence and liberation, forming the traditional friendship between the two countries that is portrayed as "so profound is the friendship between Vietnam and China, because we are both comrades and brothers."

The two countries have learned from each other and walked together to explore the socialism that meets their respective conditions, thus showing the world the bright prospects of the socialist system, he said.

Xi said China was pleased to see that the Communist Party of Vietnam is guiding its people in solidarity to strive toward the two goals set for the centenary of the party and the country respectively.

It is believed that under the leadership of the CPV led by To Lam, general secretary of the CPV Central Committee, Vietnam will certainly take a socialist path that suits its own conditions and make new ground in the development of the cause of the CPV and Vietnam, he said.

Vietnam is the first stop of the Chinese president's five-day visit to Southeast Asia, which will also take him to Malaysia and Cambodia.