Consolidating and developing relations with Vietnam is one of the top priorities in India’s Look East policy, which aims to maintain peace, stability, and development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Indian Prime Minister Mammohan Singh emphasized this during talks with State President Truong Tan Sang in New Dehli on October 12.

He highlighted the significance of President Sang’s visit to India, saying it will help promote the traditional relationship and strategic partnership between the two countries.

Vietnam is one of the most dynamic nations in the region and strengthening cooperation with the country is our people’s aspiration, the Indian PM said.

He said India pledged to create favourable conditions to promote two-way trade and welcome Vietnamese businesses to invest in the country.

As India and Vietnam are both coastal countries, Mr. Mammohan Singh said, it is very important to enhance maritime cooperation, which will ensure maritime safety and security.

For his part, President Sang said his visit is aimed at reinforcing solidarity and to foster the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Mr Sang expressed his delight at the outcome of the meeting, during which both sides agreed to boost cooperation in international forums and resolve regional and international issues of mutual concern in the spirit of peace and cooperation.

He agreed that disputes concerning the East Sea should be settled through peaceful negotiations and in compliance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

Also at the meeting, President Sang and Prime Minister Mammohan Singh witnessed the signing of six cooperation documents, including an agreement on criminal extradition, a memorandum on the celebration of a Vietnam-India Friendship Year in 2012, agreements on cooperation in agriculture and oil and gas, a protocol on cultural cooperation, and a cultural exchange program for the 2011-2014 period.

VOV/VNA