Speaker for regular interaction between India, Vietnam

New Delhi, Jan 25 (UNI) Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee today called for regular interaction between the Indian Paliament and the National Assembly of Vietnam as there is a tremednous amount of goodwill and friendship between the people of the two countries.

Welcoming Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Vu Kuang Diem, who called on him in Parliament House here, Mr Chatterjee said India shared a close and very special relationship with that country.

"Vietnam has a special place in every Indian's heart .There is nothing but friendship between India and Vietnam," he observed.

Mr Chatterjee said the struggles waged by Vietnam were very inspiring for all those who fought against the oppression the world over. Vietnamese statesman Ho Chi Minh was one of the most respected leaders in India and his statue in the city of Kolkata was one of the major attractions .

The Vietnamese Ambassador said India and France had been chosen by Vietnam as focus nations for the year 2007. Stressing the importance of Vietnam's cordial ties with India, especially with the people of W Bengal, Mr Diem recalled the popular Bengali sogan ''Amar naam, tomar naam, Vietnam Vietnam (My name your name) Vietnam.'' The Speaker responded by saying that the slogan was on every lip in Bengal.

UNI