The talks were co-chaire by Secretary (East), MEA Saurabh Kumar and Vietnamese Vice Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu….reports Asian Lite News
With India reaffirming Vietnam’s role as a key partner in the Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision, the two sides have agreed to explore new opportunities for partnership to support each other’s economic development and national security.
During the 12th round of Political Consultations and the 9th round of Strategic Dialogue between the Foreign Ministries of India and Vietnam in Hanoi on Monday, the two sides also discussed the future cooperation agenda.
This includes high-level exchanges and activities to mark the 50th anniversary of India-Vietnam Diplomatic Relations this year, according to information released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The talks were co-chaire by Secretary (East), MEA Saurabh Kumar and Vietnamese Vice Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu.
According to the MEA, both sides reviewed recent developments in their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership guided by the “Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People” adopted by the Prime Ministers of India and Vietnam during their Virtual Summit in December 2020 and the Plan of Action for 2021-2023 signed by their Foreign Ministers.
“They expressed satisfaction over the sustained momentum in their multifaceted relations, despite the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, with frequent high-level engagements, including the recent telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the General Secretary of Communist Party of Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Nguyen Phu Trong, as well as the visit of Speaker of Lok Sabha to Vietnam in April 2022,” the ministry said.
Both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, especially in the context of the global impact of COVID-19 pandemic and the on-going crisis in Ukraine, as they explored new opportunities for partnership to support each other’s economic development and national security.
“Secretary (East) reaffirmed India’s position of regarding Vietnam as a key partner in our Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision,” the MEA said.
During the talks, India conveyed its readiness to continue extending development and capacity building assistance to Vietnam through initiatives such as Quick Impact Projects, ITEC and e-ITEC initiatives, PhD fellowships, digital connectivity and heritage conservation. “Both sides agreed to enhance physical connectivity and promote tourism and people-to-people exchanges, including by leveraging their shared Buddhist linkages and popularity of Yoga in Vietnam,” the MEA added.
India and Vietnam also expressed satisfaction over their close coordination at regional and multilateral forums.
They agreed to enhance their bilateral cooperation in line with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the ASEAN’s Outlook on Indo-Pacific to achieve shared security, prosperity and growth for all in the region, the MEA said.
During his visit, Secretary (East) also called on the Foreign Minister of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son. He conveyed EAM Jaishankar’s greetings and invitation to visit India in June 2022 for the Special ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Delhi Dialogue. (India News Network)
