India deeply satisfied with ties with Vietnam, says President Patil

Hanoi, Nov.27 : India has expressed deep satisfaction over its bilateral relations with Vietnam and lauded the mutually beneficial cooperation and partnership that is steadily developing between both countries.

Visiting Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today said that her talks with the Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet were extensive and covered the entire gamut of relations with Vietnam.

"Our discussions were held in an atmosphere of traditional friendship and close understanding marked by a warm atmosphere. We expressed deep satisfaction at the level of bilateral relations and the mutually beneficial cooperation and partnership developing rapidly between India and Vietnam," President Patil stated through a release.

The discussions between the two heads of the State involved wide range of subjects of bilateral interest. These included the expanding bilateral trade and the promising trend of Indian investment in Vietnam.

"We exchanged views on cooperation in the vital fields of defence and law enforcement, as also discussions on terrorism and information and communications and nuclear technology, lines of credit and cultural cooperation including restoration of Cham temples," President Pratibha Patil stated.

The two heads of state also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest.

"We noted that the Joint Commission has proved to be an effective mechanism in monitoring the activities of cooperation between the two countries in diverse areas and in giving a concrete direction to such cooperation in future."

Meanwhile, both agreed that the 14th meeting of the Joint Commission will be held in Hanoi in 2009.

"We also considered exchange of visits between members of Parliaments to be an important instrument to promote bilateral understanding," President Patil.

President Pratibha Patil invited President Nguyen Minh Triet for a State Visit to India, which the latter readily accepted.

"I am grateful for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation and would like to take this opportunity to convey my deep gratitude to President Triet of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam," Patil said, adding that she looked forward to reciprocate the hospitality she received when President Triet visits India.

The detailed discussions were held in an atmosphere of traditional friendship and close understanding. President Patil also stated that she was pleased to have visited Vietnam, one of India's closest friends. By Ravinder Singh Robin

ANI