Hanoi (VNA) – President NguyenXuan Phuc on September 6 received Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Pranay Verma,with their discussion focusing on the promotion of bilateral cooperation. 

At the reception, Phuc thanked the IndianGovernment for supporting Vietnam with oxygen generators and medical devices. Heasked the ambassador to urge the Indian Government to give Vietnam an emergencyloan of 10 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in the near future along withfurther provision of COVID-19 treatment drugs, equipment, and supplies.

He asked the diplomat to pay attention to boostingthe nations’ cooperation, particularly in maintaining and increasing all-level interactionsand people-to-people exchange and promoting the implementation of theirexisting collaboration mechanisms such as the Vietnam – India Joint Commissionon Economic, Commercial, Scientific and Technological Cooperation andface-to-face/virtual political consultation.

Vietnam and India need to work together in organisingmeaningful activities to mark the 50th anniversary of theirdiplomatic relations and in boosting the realisation of a Plan of Action for their comprehensivestrategic partnership in the 2021-2023 period, Phuc added.

The President also suggested promoting cooperationin defence-security, cyber security, intelligence information exchange, fight against terrorism and transnational crime, non-traditional security issues, and legalassistance in the civil field. 

Regarding economic and trade engagement, Phuc asked the Indian Government to open its market for Vietnamese goods, particularlyfarm produce like longan, rambutan and durian.

"Vietnam always welcomes Indianfirms to increase their investment in the nation, especially in processing andmanufacturing, auto support industry, IT and communications, renewable energy,high-tech agriculture, and innovation," he said.

He also recommended the sides prepare plansfor stepping up people-to-people exchange and cooperation in culture and tourism post pandemic, and soon resume direct flights between theirmajor cities when possible.

The leader underscored that Vietnam highly valuesIndia’s important role and voice, particularly regarding the East Sea issue. He said he hopes that the nations will further coordinate and support each other atmultilateral forums, especially in ASEAN and the UN.

For his part, the Indian diplomat proposed the Vietnamese Government continue creating favourable conditions for oil and gas firms of both sides to extendtheir cooperation programmes.

He vowed to assist Vietnam in preserving the My Son World Cultural Heritage, which can be done in the beginning of2022.

On the occasion, President Phuc sent an invitation, via the ambassador, to theIndian President and Prime Minister to visit Vietnam in an appropriate time./.