Indian Prime Minister concludes state visit
Posted by Bao Viet Nam on November 28, 2008
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung expressed his pleasure at the rapid pace of development of cooperative ties between Vietnam and India recently, particularly since the two countries established a bilateral strategic partnership.
At a meeting with the visiting Indian President, Pratibha Devishingh Patil, in Hanoi on Nov. 28, PM Dung said that the two countries have recently expanded cooperation in various areas, including politics, diplomacy, economics, trade, science, education, security and defence.
India has invested in several major steel, oil and gas projects in Vietnam and trade between the two countries has expanded at a rapid pace, he noted.
PM Dung thanked India for its recognition of Vietnam ’s market economy and its provision of technological aid to Vietnam .
He confirmed Vietnam ’s support for India ’s Look East Policy, as well as its bid to become a permanent member of the extended United Nations Security Council and its candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the council for the 2011-2012 term.
PM Dung expressed his sympathy for the Indian President and the victims of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai on Nov. 26 and reiterated Vietnam ’s vehement condemnation of all terrorist acts, in any form and for any reason.
President Patil said it is necessary to further promote bilateral cooperation in a number of fields in order to lift their strategic partnership to a new height for the benefits of both countries and for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.
Many Indian businesses have expressed their wishes to invest in Vietnam not only for trade purpose but also with the aim of contributing to strengthening the two countries’ friendly ties on the basis of mutual respect, President Patil said. She stressed that in the implementation of its Look East Policy, India attaches importance to its relations with ASEAN countries, especially Vietnam .
President Patil said that India recognises Vietnam as a market economy and will officially announce this recognition as soon as possible.
The Indian President thanked Vietnam for its support for Indian’s bid for permanent membership of the extended United Nations Security Council and its candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the council for the 2011-2012 term.
Earlier that day, President Patil laid a wreath at the Monument to Fallen Combatants and paid a floral tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum.
The Indian President left Hanoi on the afternoon of Nov. 28, concluding her state visit to Vietnam.-
