The support of international friends and socialist countries, including China, are among the factors contributing to the victory of Vietnam's struggle for national independence, Vietnam's defense minister said Thursday.

The statement was made by Vietnamese Minister of Defense Phung Quang Thanh during a meeting on Thursday with a delegation of Chinese experts who had helped Vietnam during the country's anti- French Resistance War.

Vietnam always bears in mind the support of China and the friendship with Chinese people, Thanh said. He expressed the hope that members of the delegation continue contributing to the development of Vietnam-China relations.

Qi Jianguo, vice chairman of China-Vietnam Friendship Association and representative of the Chinese delegation, said he was pleased with the smooth development of cooperation between the two countries, especially between the two armies.

The visit of Chinese delegation is made on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu victory in Vietnam, which is a good opportunity for the two sides to commemorate the contribution of the previous generations to the victory of the independence struggle, Qi said.