The Union of Friendship Organisations and the Vietnam-India Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City held a reception on January 24 to mark the 65 th Indian Republic Day.

Chairman of the municipal Vietnam-India Friendship Association Huynh Thanh Lap congratulated India on its achievements, adding that its potential in economics, defence and advanced technologies has cemented the country’s position as a powerful player in Asia and the wider world.

According to Lap, the bilateral ties between Vietnam and India have become closer over many years, but particularly since the establishment of an official partnership relationship in 2007.

The two nations have signed and effectively implemented a series of cooperation agreements, while working together at regional and international forums, he said.

Ho Chi Minh City alone has also coordinated with the India Consulate General in the city to organise many activities to boost cultural exchanges and investments between the two countries.

For his part, Indian Consul General Deepak Mittal voiced his pleasure at the strong development of bilateral ties, especially in two-way trade, which is targeted to reach 7 billion USD in 2015.

The Consulate General is working hard so that Ho Chi City and the Indian city of Mumbai can set up a twin relationship within this year, he noted.-VNA