ASEAN, India celebrate 25 years cooperation hinh anh 1Illustrative photo (Source: baoquocte.vn)
 
Jakarta (VNA) – A ceremony was co-organised in Jakarta, Indonesia, on November in celebration of 25-year ties between ASEAN and India by Vietnamese and Indian delegations to ASEAN.

Vietnam is the member state coordinating ASEAN’s relations with India for 2015 - 2018.

Speaking at the event, head of the Vietnamese delegation Ambassador Nguyen Hoanh Nam thanked India’s support for ASEAN development process, particularly the building of the ASEAN Community and implementation of joint commitments.

The diplomat said he believes the upcoming summit celebrating the 25-year dialogue partnership between the sides slated for January next year in New Delhi, India will put forth key decisions for the ties to thrive further toward effectiveness.

Indian Ambassador to ASEAN Suresh K. Reddy stressed ASEAN is an important partner of his country, adding that the partnership has experienced both difficulties and success in more than two decades of cooperation.

The diplomat said the joint work covers many sectors, including economics, science-technology, infrastructure development, and education.

He mentioned India offering training courses for Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

He thanked the Vietnamese people and Government, especially the Foreign Ministry, for their contributions to fostering ASEAN – India relations, particularly during the 2015 – 2018 period.

ASEAN and India established relations in 1992, with 30 dialogue mechanisms set up so far, including summits and ministerial-level meetings.

Annual bilateral trade is estimated at between 65 and 76 billion USD. ASEAN is currently the fourth biggest trade partner of India, while India is ranked 7th among ASEAN top trade partner. -VNA
VNA