Addressing at the National Assembly House in Vietnam, Prez Kovind etches pact strengthening bilateral relations
Hanoi, November 20: Sharing close diplomatic relations with Vietnam, President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the National Assembly in Vietnam. Full range of bilateral and multilateral cooperation was discussed during the bilateral talks by Presidents of both the countries along with etching various pacts for mutual benefits.
Addressing the house, President Kovind said that India shares a close and special relation with Vietnam especially because Vietnam is the first ASEAN and Southeast Asian country which is pivotal to India’s "Act East” policy. India’s association with Vietnam has many aspects. The two countries share robust business, political and people-to-people bonds. Exchange parliamentary visits, both ancient maritime nations and are stake-holders in the commerce, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific Region. Above all, India and Vietnam share the same values.
Pointing out that the year 2019 is of great significance in India as it marks the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and in Vietnam it is being commemorated as the 50th anniversary of the passing of the great Ho Chi Minh. These revolutionary figures remain inspirations for not just Vietnam and India but for the entire Asian continent and the global community. The coming year once again links these two remarkable personalities, and unites our countries.
Apart from that President kovind also elaborated the use of technology made by India for various platforms has helped the country reach great heights and accomplish various reformative changes. Both the nations, India and Vietnam has dealt with Indo-Pacific Region. This ocean system is a resource for Vietnam and India and for so many other countries and communities. Vietnam and India share a vision for the Indo-Pacific Region, of which the South China Sea is a critical component.
Both the countries share a vision of a rules-based order that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity, ensures freedom of navigation and over-flight, as well as un-impeded commerce. The shared vision seeks peaceful resolution of disputes, with full respect for legal and diplomatic processes in accordance with principles of international law, including those reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
India looks forward to enhanced bilateral cooperation in the maritime domain – for instance, through our first Bilateral Maritime Security Dialogue to be hosted by Vietnam in early 2019. Maritime security, piracy, and drug trafficking using the oceans are issues of common concern.