Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Truong Tan Sang and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung separately received visiting Indian Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari in Hanoi on January 15.

Trong stressed that the Vietnamese Party and Government value the developing all-around strategic partnership with India .

He suggested that the two sides should build on the 2012 Friendship Year achievements, deepen the relations between parties from both countries, and improve people-to-people diplomacy and coordination at regional and international forums.

Ansari affirmed that India wants to boost cooperation with Vietnam in all aspects, including politics, security, defence, economics, trade, investment, finance, education and training, and science and technology.

All political parties in India support the strengthening of bilateral ties with Vietnam , he stressed.

At his reception for the Indian Vice President, Sang hailed their bilateral developments since the two countries established their strategic partnership five years ago.

He spoke highly of India ’s relationship with ASEAN and voiced his support for the country’s permanent membership at the UN Security Council when it reshuffles in the future.

Ansari affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner in India ’s “Look East” policy.

India welcomes officials and students from Vietnam , and Indian businesses are increasingly choosing Vietnam as an investment destination, he said.

He said he hopes that an Indian cultural centre will open in Vietnam soon.

During his meeting with the Indian Vice President, PM Dung said the strategic partnership between the two countries has benefited the development of both countries.

The Prime Minister said he hopes the two sides will further strengthen cooperation in economics, trade, investment and tourism to increase two-way trade.

He suggested the two sides open a direct air route between Vietnam and India and intensify cooperation in culture, education, information technology and human resource training.

Ansari affirmed that India is willing to work with Vietnam to bolster cooperation in areas of each other’s strengths and demand.

He emphasised his country’s support for the peaceful settlement of differences in the East Sea, adding that this is the only way to ensure peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world./.VNA