India and Sri Lanka are widely known among Vietnamese people as those who have actively supported Vietnam in the struggle for national independence, national reunification and international integration.

For people of these South Asian nations, Vietnam and late President Ho Chi Minh is a symbol of undaunted spirit in the struggle against foreign aggression and of creativeness in the cause of national construction. As Vietnam is a responsible member of the international community, State President Sang and his entourage were received by leaders of both India and Sri Lanka with all the traditional pomp and circumstance.

Regarding the relations of friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and India which were fostered by late President Ho Chi Minh and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Neru, Indian President Pratibha Patil affirmed that Vietnam has always played an important role in the hearts of Indian people. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh emphasized that developing relations with Vietnam is an important part of India’s “Look East” policy. A strong partnership between India and Vietnam will be the main factor in ensuring peace, stability and development in the Asia-Pacific region, he said.

Sri Lanka which had supported Vietnam’s admission to the Non-aligned movement was also committed to providing Vietnam with valuable political assistance.

Foreign Minister Gamini Lakshman Peiris recalled the Sri Lankan President’s decision to recognize Vietnam as a full market economy. He said the two sides have agreed to strengthen cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral forums. In his view, Vietnam and Sri Lanka have many similarities considered as a firm foundation for tightening relations between the two nations in the future.

During talks with President Sang, leaders of the two South Asian nations pledged to promote cooperation in all fields such as politics, economics, culture, education, security, national defense and issues of regional and international concern including the East Sea situation. Deputy Foreign Minister Doan Xuan Hung expressed belief that the visit will mark a milestone in lifting the relations between Vietnam and the two South Asian nations to a new level.

Vietnam and India agreed to observe 2012 as a Friendship Year between the two countries, he said.

In a joint statement, both sides affirmed their determination to deepen the traditional friendship and strategic partnership by signing six agreements with a view to raising two-way trade to US$7 billion by 2015 as well as opening a direct air route in the third quarter of 2012.

A joint statement between Vietnam and Sri Lanka highlighted President Sang’s state-level visit as proof of wonderful relations between the two nations. Both sides signed eight cooperative documents and agreed on concrete measures to raise two-way trade turnover to US$1 billion in the next few years.

There is no doubt that President Sang’s visit to India and Sri Lanka will make a major breakthrough in Vietnam’s relations with these two South Asian nations for the sake of common prosperity, peace, stability and development in the region and the world.