Conference highlights Vietnam – India comprehensive strategic partnership

In his opening speech, Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Pranay Verma stated since the Vietnam - India diplomatic relations were established in 1972, the two has support each other in their pursuit of happiness for their peoples.

They are now comprehensive strategic partners, with bilateral cooperation growing across politics, economy, culture, energy, defence, and people-to-people exchange, he said.

The diplomat added that despite COVID-19, the ties have been fortified in the past time, particularly in trade and economy, while new joint works in water resources management, IT, and cultural heritage preservation have been promoted.

He said the sides have been actively taking part in and making contribution to global issues like environmental protection and maritime security cooperation. They are willing to extend their participation at multilateral forums in the region and in the world.

Vietnam plays an important role in India's "Look East" and now "Act East" policy, the ambassador noted, expressing his belief in the development of the ties toward self-reliance, sustainability, and better economic capacity in the global stage.

India is committed to pushing its comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam to a new height and always considers Vietnam an important and trustworthy partner, the diplomat affirmed.

Speakers at the conference lauded the initiative of hosting the event to discuss the countries’ traditional and special relations, which are originated from cultural and religious exchanges dating back more than 2,000 years.   

Shyam Saran, former Foreign Minister of India, said amid COVID-19, the nations, both members of the UN Security Council, should cooperate and support each other at multilateral and bilateral forums.

Ton Sinh Thanh, former Vietnamese Ambassador to India, said with similar strategic benefits and cooperation potential, the partnership will thrive.