Vietnam on Friday awarded the Friendship Medal to outgoing Chinese Ambassador Kong Xuanyou for his contributions to bilateral relations during his tenure in Vietnam.

Addressing the ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son said "the two countries have witnessed important progresses in bilateral relations during Ambassador Kong's tenure in Vietnam."

The progresses can be seen in the regular visits made by the two countries' high-ranking leaders and the intensive cooperation between ministries and sectors, as well as the increasingly frequent people-to-people exchange activities, Son said.

Kong expressed gratitude for the medal granted and the support given by Vietnamese authorities and people during his stay in Vietnam.

"The achievement gained during my tenure lies in the direct support of leaders of the two countries and the understanding of the two peoples," Kong said.

"The medal not only encourages me but also presents Vietnam's friendship to the Chinese people," he added.

Kong also pledged to continue strengthening China-Vietnam ties for the prosperity of the two countries on his future post.