Friendship Year tightens Vietnam-India relations

January 11, 2013 | 09:00

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The 2012 Vietnam-India Friendship Year has created a momentum for deeper and more sustainable development of the cooperation between the two countries in all aspects, officials from both sides said at a January 9 ceremony to close the year.

Addressing the ceremony, Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said as two emerging economies, Vietnam and India have great opportunities to expand their cooperation, particularly when they enjoy a traditional friendship and have recently established a strategic partnership.

Son said Vietnam wishes to intensify cooperation with India in the areas of the latter’s strength such as education and training, science and technology and sea and ocean research.

He added that Vietnam also welcomes investment of Indian businesses in such areas as infrastructure, manufacturing, oil and gas exploitation, high-end technology, remote sensing technology and human resources training.

Indian Deputy Foreign Minister Xanjay Singh also expressed his delight at the success of the 2012 Vietnam-India Friendship Year and positive development in the two countries’ relations during the past 40 years.

He said such results will serve as a driving force for the bilateral cooperation to further flourish in all fields.

Prominent guests at the event included Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh who is paying a working visit to India from January 7 to 10.

A special art performance was held to mark the end of the Friendship Year.