President Truong Tan Sang appreciated contributions made by Indian Ambassador Preeti Saran to the friendship between Vietnam and India, when he received her in Hanoi on February 25.

President Truong Tan Sang welcomes Indian Ambassador Preeti Saran.

The diplomat, who finished her working term in Vietnam, affirmed that the two countries have fine relations in the fields of politics, defence and security.

However, with current political trust high, the two sides should intensify cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, oil and gas energy, and people-to-people exchanges, she said.

She confirmed that in her new position, she will continue her contributions to bilateral ties, as well as the relationship between Indian and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

President Truong Tan Sang stated that Vietnam appreciates and supports India’s “Act East” policy and will do its utmost to realise signed agreements.

The two countries can believe in achieving 10 billion USD in two-way trade by 2020, as the turnover reached 5 billion USD in 2015.

The opening of the direct air route linking Vietnam and India is an important premise to boost trade and people-to-people exchanges, he added.

Speaking on the operations of Indian enterprises in Vietnam, the State leader promised to create favourable conditions for them, especially in their strongest fields like the automobile industry and computer software.

VNA