VN, India share long-lasting friendship, historical and cultural similarities

State President Tran Dai Quang (L) is welcomed by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi, India on March 3, 2018. Photo: VNA

The foundation of the fine relationship was laid by the Fathers of the Nations, Mahatma Gandhi and President Ho Chi Minh and has been nurtured by successive generations of the two countries’ leaders and people.

The two Presidents expressed their pleasure at the strong advancement of the bilateral ties, especially politics, defense and security, economy and trade, science and technology, culture and education.

They agreed to continue exploring cooperation potential in energy, infrastructure development, information technology, green agriculture, high-tech agriculture, and economic-cultural-people connectivity.

President Ram Nath Kovind commended Viet Nam’s significant role in ASEAN, extending thanks to Viet Nam - the coordinator of the ASEAN-India dialogue partnership between 2015 and 2018 – for bringing about practical outcomes in the ASEAN-India relations.

He also affirmed India’s support for ASEAN’s centrality in the regional architecture.

Both sides agreed to continue mutual support at regional and international forums. President Ram Nath Kovind reaffirmed India’s support for Viet Nam’s bid to become a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for tenure 2020-2021.

President Ram Nath Kovind also affirmed that India always sticks to the principles

of ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation and over-flights; complying with international law; settling disputes through peaceful measures on the basis of international law; avoiding the use or threat of force; and respecting legitimate rights of small and medium countries, in order to maintain peace and stability in the region.

He took the occasion to laud the organization of the Viet Nam Cultural Days in India on the occasion of State President Quang’s ongoing visit to India./.

By Quang Minh