During his visits and work in China in different leadership positions, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong always took time to meet, visit and encourage the Vietnamese community in China to make efforts to study, work and integrate, becoming a bridge for friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Upon hearing the news of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's passing, many Vietnamese people living, working, studying and settling in China have sent articles and messages to the People's Newspaper's correspondents in China, sharing their love, infinite gratitude and deep longing for the highest leader of our Party and State, who has always paid special attention to the Vietnamese community abroad in general and the Vietnamese community in China in particular.

Unforgettable memories

In early 2017, right before the traditional New Year of the two countries, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong visited China at the invitation of General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, becoming the first high-ranking foreign leader that China welcomed in the new year.

As a Vietnamese citizen residing in Beijing, Mr. Bui Van Kien was honored to represent the Vietnamese community to participate in welcoming, exchanging and listening to the General Secretary's sharing on aspects of economy, culture, diplomacy, trade and economy, especially the achievements in promoting relations between Vietnam and China.

At the meeting, the General Secretary listened to the difficulties of the Vietnamese community living and studying in China and directed the Embassy to immediately have practical policies to help the community resolve difficulties and problems.

Talking to Nhan Dan Newspaper reporter, Mr. Bui Van Kien said: "My first impression during that meeting was that he was a very close, friendly, intimate and open person. Those moments and even the photo I had the honor of taking with him, I always keep as an extremely precious memory."

Since General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's visit to China in 2017, Mr. Bui Van Kien has always closely followed the relationship between the two countries as well as Vietnam's position in the international arena; at the same time, he is happy to see that, under the leadership of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnam has become a major economy in the region, and Vietnam's role and position are increasingly enhanced.

Hearing the news of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's passing, Mr. Bui Van Kien and the Vietnamese community in China felt very sad and disappointed. He shared: "Looking at recent photos, knowing that he was old and seriously ill but still diligently working in the treatment room in the hospital, I feel even more love and respect for him. He was a true revolutionary who devoted his whole life to the development and elevation of Vietnam's position to a new height. I believe that, inheriting the thoughts and achievements of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the Vietnamese people at home and the Vietnamese community abroad will become increasingly united and have confidence in the leadership and guidelines of the Party that Uncle Ho devoted all his heart to building."

Honored to cook for the General Secretary

Having lived and done business in China for nearly 13 years, Mr. Le Ngoc Quyen, head chef of the famous SuSu restaurant chain in Beijing, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Provisional Vietnamese Business Association in China, is one of the active members, participating in building the Vietnamese Business Association in China, connecting businesses, entrepreneurs, and overseas Vietnamese to support each other in economic activities.

When hearing the news of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's passing, Mr. Le Ngoc Quyen felt very surprised and sad because in his mind, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was a wise, dedicated, and devoted leader for the country and the people.

Sharing with Nhan Dan Newspaper reporters, Mr. Quyen said that many years ago, he had the opportunity and honor to go to the Vietnamese Embassy in China to have an intimate meal to welcome General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong who was visiting China.

"Having the opportunity to meet him, I will always remember his image, so close, friendly, he shook hands and smiled at everyone he met" - Mr. Quyen said.

As someone who regularly follows the Vietnam-China relationship as well as the activities of the General Secretary through the media, Mr. Le Ngoc Quyen said that after the visits of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to China, especially the historic visit at the end of 2022, the relationship between the two countries has become even closer, with the signing of many documents, agreements, and policies creating conditions for people and businesses of the two countries to trade and exchange many agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products; import-export activities and freight transport have become easier and more convenient.

Determined to inherit and learn from the example of the General Secretary

As a staff member of Hanoi National University of Education studying for a doctorate in Beijing and also serving as President of the Vietnamese Students Association in Beijing, Mr. Le Trung Thanh expressed his emotion and sorrow at the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Mr. Le Trung Thanh said that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has made great contributions to the country's revolutionary cause, reflected in the achievements that Vietnam has made under the leadership of the General Secretary in the fields of economy, politics and society, anti-corruption, Party building and political system, improving people's lives and raising the country's position in the international arena.

In particular, in the field of foreign affairs and Vietnam-China relations, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has made important contributions to promoting the development of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries through high-level visits and contacts with Chinese leaders.

Affirming that the legacies left by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong will continue to be an important foundation for the country's development, including the fight against corruption and the building of the Party and the political system, the ideals, will and determination of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong will continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation for today's and tomorrow's generations, Mr. Le Trung Thanh said that the Vietnamese Students Association in Beijing will continue to promote its role in gathering and uniting members and students to follow the example of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, maintain good ethics, promote the spirit of dedication; determined to study and conduct scientific research to improve qualifications and professional knowledge, contributing to building a country with sustainable development, standing shoulder to shoulder with the world's powers; at the same time, actively organize volunteer activities, support the domestic community, cultural exchange activities, enhance understanding and connect with international friends, contributing to promoting the image of Vietnam in China.

“The above actions and commitments are a deep gratitude from the Vietnamese Students Association in Beijing in particular and the Vietnamese students community in China in general for the great contributions of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. The Association will always maintain its determination and make continuous efforts to continue and promote the good values ​​that the General Secretary has left behind,” Mr. Le Trung Thanh affirmed.