India committed to building cooperative relationship with Vietnam: Naidu

In his first engagement after arriving here on a four-day visit, Naidu addressed the Indian community in the country, highlighting their role and importance in promoting cultural understanding and harmony between India and Vietnam.

Describing the ties between India and Vietnam as civilisational and historic, the vice president said, “Our partnership has stood the test of time. More than 2000 years ago, Indian monks and traders brought with them the message of peace and compassion of Lord Buddha to Vietnam."

Naidu said that successive generations of leaders from Ho Chi Minh and Mahatma Gandhi to the current leaders have built upon this trust and goodwill.

Referring to the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, Naidu stated that India is committed to building its cooperative relationship with Vietnam in diverse fields.

"Over the years, Vietnam has been successful in making huge socio-economic advances. Sustained high levels of economic growth, combined with vision and foresight of its leadership, has ensured rapid progress, development and prosperity," he said.

Pointing out that agricultural growth has been a key driver in the remarkable progress achieved by Vietnam, he said India was privileged as a development partner to have contributed to Vietnam's agricultural revolution and food security.

He said that an Archaeological Survey of India team has been working in Vietnam for the past three years for the conservation and restoration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of MySon in Vietnam.

Expressing his satisfaction over the doubling of the trade between the two nations from USD 7.8 billion in 2016 to nearly USD 14 billion last year, he said both the nations must come together with pride and purpose and help each other grow and prosper.

Referring to India's growth story, the Vice President said that an ambitious and transformative vision was making India one of the most favorite investment destinations in the world. India has become the fastest growing large economy in the world.

“We will be a USD 5 trillion economy by 2030”, he added and gave a detailed overview of the progress achieved in various sectors.

The vice president said the Indian community in Vietnam, though small in number, has numerous achievements to its credit and was well respected.

He said Indians and Indian business and industry in Vietnam have been instrumental in promoting bilateral understanding and creating opportunities for the local economy and society.

He urged the Indian diaspora to contribute and join in the development agenda back home.

Describing Indians living abroad as our cultural ambassadors, he told them continue to cherish their Indian roots and rich cultural traditions and at the same time nourish the socio-economic and cultural life of Vietnam.

During the visit, Naidu will hold meetings with Vice-President of Vietnam Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Chairperson of National Assembly of Vietnam Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

On May 12, Naidu will also participate in the 16th UN Day of Vesak, considered sacred to Buddhists, at Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam Province and deliver the keynote address at the inaugural of the event.

Ahead of the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said India-Vietnam relations have been built on a firm foundation of close cultural, historical and civilisational links and are marked by mutual trust and understanding as well as strong cooperation in regional and international fora.

During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Vietnam in September 2016, the relationship between the two countries was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the statement said.