Vietnam wants to deepen cooperation with India in all fields on the basis of their special trust, particularly in national defence and security, according to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

At his meeting on April 3 with India’s national security adviser Ajit Kumar Doval, who has been on a visit to Vietnam, the PM said Vietnam and India has a special friendship relationship that has been built up through many generations of leaders.

He affirmed that Vietnam always remember the great support and assistance the Indian people gave to Vietnam during its struggle for independence as well as national reconstruction.

The PM made it clear that Vietnam supports India’s “Act East” policy as well as its strengthening of strategic partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

While suggesting the two sides should boost cooperation in all fields from politics-foreign affairs to economy-trade and investment, the PM asked India to increase cooperation with Vietnam in defence and military technology, particularly in personnel training in the air force, navy and intelligence. He also wanted stronger cooperation in cyber security and preventing and fighting terrorism and hi-tech crimes.

Ajit Kumar Doval said India will be always a companion with Vietnam in any circumstances and a stable, developed and prosperous Vietnam is of India’s interest.

The adviser affirmed India would do all it can to assist Vietnam in defence and security, specifically defence industry, military technology, intelligence, personnel training, cybercrimes and cybersecurity.

Regarding East Sea issues, Ajit Kumar Doval reiterated India’s stance that ensuring navigation freedom in the East Sea is of great importance and that India would not accept any unilateral action to change the status quo.

All disagreements and disputes must be solved through peaceful measures in conformity with international law, he said, adding that this point of view has been affirmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at all international forums.-VNA