Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made the statement at a reception for Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil in Hanoi on November 28.

Mr Dung spoke highly of the significance of the Indian President’s visit which took place at a time when both countries are actively implementing a strategic partnership.

Vietnam attaches great importance to developing friendship, comprehensive cooperation and a strategic partnership with India, said Mr Dung

He praised the tremendous achievements India has made in the process of national construction and development. He expressed his delight at the rapid development of bilateral relations in recent times, particularly since both countries established their strategic partnership. The two countries have cooperated in various fields such as politics, diplomacy, economics, trade, science, education, security and national defense.

India has invested in a number of major projects on steel production and oil and gas exploration and exploitation in Vietnam, said Mr Dung.  

He thanked India for having recognised Vietnam as a market economy and providing computers for the country.

The government leader extended his sympathy to the Indian President and families of victims of the Mumbai terror attack on November 26 while affirming that Vietnam strongly condemned terrorism in any form and for whatever motive.

Through the Indian President, Mr Dung invited the Indian PM and Chairman of the National Congress Party Sonia Gandi to visit Vietnam at a convenient time.

President Patil appreciated the strong development of the time-honoured friendship between the two countries which was nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

She affirmed that India places importance on Vietnam’s increasing position and role in the region and wants to further strengthen the ties of friendship, comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnership between the two countries.

The Indian President said that both countries should enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields in order to bring the India-Vietnam strategic partnership to a higher plane for the benefit of both countries’ people and for the sake of peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Indian businesses are keen to invest in many areas in Vietnam, said Ms Patil.

In pursuit of its “Look East” policy, India attaches great importance to boosting relations with ASEAN countries, particularly with Vietnam. It has recognised Vietnam as a market economy and will make an official announcement on this soon, Ms Patil said.

She also thanked Vietnam for supporting its bid to become a UNSC membership.

Earlier, the Indian President laid a wreath at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Monument to Heroes and War Martyrs.

In the afternoon on the same day, the Indian President left Hanoi for home, concluding her official visit to Vietnam.