The Vietnam Union for Friendship Organisations (VUFO) on August 14 held a meeting to mark the 65 th anniversary of the Independence Day of India (August 15, 1947-2012).

The meeting was attended by VUFO President Vu Xuan Hong, Indian Ambassador Ranjit Rae, and President of the Vietnam – India Friendship Association Hoang Van Phong.

Phong stressed that India ’s victory 65 years ago had significant international meaning, strongly encouraging revolutionary movements for national independence, peace and development in Asia , as well as in the world.

Phong and Ranjit Rae reviewed the traditional friendship between Vietnam and India , which was initiated by late President Ho Chi Minh and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and has been significantly developed since July 2007 when the two countries established a strategic partnership.

The two also expressed their belief that with the current impetus in development and experience, gained during the last 40 years, the Vietnamese-Indian ties will reap further excellent rewards, benefiting both countries and strengthening peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the region and the rest of the world.

The same day, a ceremony to celebrate India ’s 65 th Independence Day was also held at the Friendship House in Ho Chi Minh City .

Addressing the event, India ’s Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Abhay Thakur, said that this year is an important milestone in Vietnamese - Indian relations, as both countries are celebrating their 40 th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the five years since their strategic partnership began.

Both countries are striving to hit 7 billion USD in two-way trade by 2015. Currently, 82 Indian funded projects are operating in Vietnam with a total investment of more than 806 million USD, mainly in fuel, iron and steel, spices, medicines, sugar and consumer goods.-VNA