President voices support for stronger Vietnam-India defence ties hinh anh 1President Tran Dai Quang (right) and Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (Source: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Party and State of Vietnam will create optimal conditions for the Vietnamese and Indian Defence Ministries to cooperate closely and effectively, thus deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, said President Tran Dai Quang.

At a reception in Hanoi on June 13 for Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, President Quang urged leaders of the two ministries to actively instruct competent agencies to comprehensively and effectively implement defence cooperation contents, including delegation exchange and collaboration in personnel training, defence industry, information-technology, strategic research and UN peacekeeping operations.

The partnership would help maintain peace and development in each country and the region as well, he said, asking the ministries to continue their mutual consultation mechanisms at regional and international forums.

Noting with pleasure the enhancement and comprehensive development of the Vietnam-India comprehensive strategic partnership, President Quang stressed that Vietnam backs the Indian Government’s “Act East” policy.

The Vietnamese State, people and army highly appreciate good sentiments and great spiritual and material support from their Indian counterparts over the past time, he said.

Recalling his state visit to India in March, the President said the two sides reached many important common perceptions in order to reinforce the comprehensive strategic partnership in the time ahead.

The leader believed that the bilateral friendship and cooperation will be consolidated thanks to the high political resolve of senior leaders of the two countries along with mutual trust and will for cooperation and development, for the sake of their people, as well as peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

In reply, Minister Sitharaman briefed the host about the outcomes of her talks with Vietnamese Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich, during which the two sides emphasised the significance of maintaining and expanding bilateral cooperation in training personnel and developing IT and defence industry.

India always treasures and wants to beef up the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam, she said, adding that the two nations still boast substantial potential for stronger cooperation, especially in security-defence.-VNA
VNA