PM hails defense ties with India

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Indian Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba at the Government Office in Ha Noi on October 4, 2017. Photo: VGP

The Government chief spoke highly of Sunil’s ongoing visit to Viet Nam, saying it would help boost friendship, cooperation, trust and mutual understanding between the two armed forces.

He expressed his belief that the two countries’ relationship will continue development course across all fields, making positive contribution to maintain peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.

PM Phuc took the occasion to affirm Viet Nam backs India’s Act East Policy while continuing its efforts to further strengthen ASEAN-India strategic partnership as the coordinator of the ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership.

Viet Nam also supports India to enhance engagement in East Asia cooperation and India’s bid to become a permanent member of the expanded United Nations Security Council, PM Phuc said.

PM Phuc also spoke highly of the two countries’ economic ties with the two-way trade value possibly reaching US$7.4 billion by the end of this year and US$15 billion by 2020, expressing his hope that more Indian investors’ presence in Viet Nam.

Indian Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said this is his first visit to Viet Nam.

Viet Nam and India have enjoyed long-lasting friendship and cooperation, including good cooperation in defense, he said.

India always treasures friendship with Viet Nam, considering Viet Nam as a great friend in ASEAN.

Admiral Sunil Lanba said the bilateral defense ties have been consolidated over the past years and India expects to further heighten the ties.

By Ngoc Van