PM Phuc greets Indian President on ASEAN-India summit sidelines

At the meeting, both leaders expressed their delight at the rapid growth of Vietnam – India traditional ties and all-around cooperation since the bilateral relationship was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership in September 2016.

They hailed the organization of meaningful events throughout the Vietnam – India friendship year 2017, which celebrated 45 years of diplomatic relations and 10 years of strategic partnership between the two countries. These events contributed to strengthening public understanding about the relationship and bilateral collaboration across a variety of fields, they said.

Regarding Vietnam’s coordination role in ASEAN – India ties, President Ram Nath Kovind  described Vietnam as an important pillar in India's Act East Policy and pledged to make greater efforts to boost the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership based on outcomes of their 45-year diplomatic relations.

PM Phuc, in reply, affirmed Vietnam’s unwavering diplomatic policy of treasuring ties with traditional friends, including India.

The two sides consented to regularly exchange high-ranking delegation visits between their parties, governments and parliaments between localities and people. Efficient defence-security cooperation will be expanded toward while economics and trade partnerships will be boosted toward a bilateral trade goal of US$15 billion in 2020.

India will continue supporting Vietnam in training high-quality human resources and offering more development support packages and preferential credit to the country, President Ram Nath Kovind said.

PM Phuc also used the occasion to invite the Indian President and his wife to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time and the invitation was graciously accepted.