The governor made the statement on February 27 while receiving Vietnamese National Assembly chairman Nguyen Phu Trong in Bangalore city, which has been long considered a second silicon valley in the world.

Governor Bhardwaj expressed his pleasure at the effective cooperation between the two countries, citing joint venture projects on oil and gas exploration.

He briefed Mr Trong on Karnataka’s recent developments and said both India, including his state, and Vietnam still have great potential for development. He recalled his impression of a meeting with President Ho Chi Minh during the late President’s visit to India several decades ago.

For his part, Mr Trong noted that Vietnam and India have treasured the long-standing relationship, which was founded and nurtured by late President Ho Chi Minh and late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

He confirmed that Vietnam will continue to work closely with India in bilateral and multilateral forums.

Vietnam wants to increase cooperation with Karnataka in information technology, biological technology and human resource development, said Mr Trong.

Both host and guest agreed that cooperation between the two countries’ legislative bodies will help promote their democracy and strategic partnership.

The same day, Mr Trong met with Sri V.Mathikatti, chairman of the Legislative Council and Sri S.B.Patil, Secretary of the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka state.

He praised the southern state’s achievements in economics, science&technology and education&training, and expressed Vietnam’s desires to increase all-round cooperation with India, including Karnataka.