A festival of friendship between the Vietnamese and Indian peoples is being held in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh to widen areas of cooperation and strengthen relations between the two countries.

This is the third festival to be hosted by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations, the Vietnam-India Friendship Association, the All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO) and the India-Vietnam Friendship Association.

The five-day festival is a chance for Vietnam to update the Indian people on its socio-economic achievements and its intention to develop the bond between both peoples, which will enhance bilateral cooperation in economics, investment and trade.

VUFO Permanent Vice Chairman Tran Dac Loi said that Vietnam and India have had a special relationship ever since former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Neru became the first foreign government leader to visit Hanoi and met with late President Ho Chi Minh after the capital had been liberated from French colonial rule.

The solidarity and mutual support during both their struggles for national independence have kept the two countries closely connected, Loi said, adding both peoples share the same belief in peace, justice and humanitarianism and both have to cope with challenges to security, climate change and financial issues.

During their visit, the Vietnamese delegation will also meet with representatives from various Indian political parties, take part in a workshop on Vietnamese-Indian relations and attend a concert of traditional music./.