Indian PM Manmohan Singh welcomes PM Dung.

Vietnamese and Indian Prime Ministers agreed to officially establish a strategic partnership between the two countries at their talks in New Delhi on July 6.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh noted that the strategic partnership marked a new breakthrough in bilateral relations and pave the way for the two countries' all-faceted co-operation to expand further.

The strategic partnership will support each country's durable growth and prosperity and work for the sake of peace, stability, co-operation and development in the Asia-Pacific and the world, the two PM said.

To promote this new strategic partnership, the two government leaders agreed to further bolster the two countries' political ties in addition to establishing a strategic dialogue mechanism at the level of deputy foreign ministers.

They also reached agreement on continuing strengthening security and defence co-operation, especially in training and the sharing of information on anti-terrorism, sea pirates and transnational crimes.

Discussing bilateral relations, the two PMs were of the view that the friendship and multi-faceted co-operation between the two countries have been constantly strengthening and developing fruitfully.

On trade co-operation, the two PMs agreed to continue working to bring two-way trade to US $2 billion in 2010 and US $5 billion in 2015.

In this area, the Indian side said they took note of Vietnam's request to recognise the Southeast Asian country's full-fledged market economy and pledged to take necessary measures to enable Vietnamese products to enter Indian markets so as to balance two-way trade.

The Indian PM informed the Vietnamese counterpart on his government's decision to lend Vietnam a US $45 million credit with preferential treatments for the building of a hydro-electricity power plant.

On regional and international issues, PM Dung expressed his support for India's "Look East" policy which was tailored to link India closely with Southeast Asia. He said Vietnam is willing to work as a bridge between India and other ASEAN countries so that all can work together for the goal of prosperity and stability in the region.

PM Dung took the occasion to thank India for its active support for Vietnam’s admission to the World Trade Organisation and its candidacy for the non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council in the 2008-2009 term.

The Indian PM singled out Vietnam’s support to India’s quest for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council.

PM Dung invited his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh to visit Vietnam at a convenient time for both sides. Indian PM Singh accepted the invitation with pleasure and the visit will be arranged through the diplomatic channel.

* On the same day, PM Dung was taking through a host of activities, including paying a floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial monument, visiting President Abdul Kalam, and meeting with several Indian leaders.

At his courtesy visit to President Abdul Kalam, PM Dung highlighted India's aid and co-operation, especially in the fields of science and technology, education and training, credit and agriculture.

Discussing bilateral co-ordination at regional and international forums, the Vietnamese leader reaffirmed his country's support for India's bid to become a permanent member of the expanded United Nations Security Council while appreciating the South Asian country for backing its own run for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council in the 2008-2009 term.

PM Dung meets NCP Chairwoman Sonia Gandhi.

At the meeting with the Indian National Congress Party Chairwoman Sonia Gandhi and other leaders, PM Dung thanked the Party and the Indian people for their assistance to the Vietnamese people in the struggle for national liberation and re-unification and the present course of national construction.

He said he was pleased to know that the Indian Government, under the leadership governance of the Indian National Congress Party, has been persistent in its policy of enhancing ties with Vietnam.

During his busy working agenda, PM Dung also met Speaker of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) Shri Somnath Chatterjee in which he asked the congressman to call on political circles to make efforts to elevate the two countries' relationship into a strategic partnership.

Such efforts would bring the two countries' ties and the relations between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Indian House of the People to a new level, PM Dung stressed.

At a meeting with General Secretary of the Communist Party of India A.B Bardhan, PM Dung highlighted the reliable and close relations between the two parties.

The Vietnamese public are highly conscious of the support given by the CPI and the Indian people, the Vietnamese leader said.

PM Dung also met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Prakash Karat and reiterated Vietnam’s wish to further strengthen Vietnam-Indian ties.

While receiving the leader of the Opposition of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), PM Dung spoke highly of the contributions of the Party president Shri L. K. Advani and the BJP to the consolidation of Vietnamese-Indian relations, saying that the two parties need further exchanges.

At all the meetings, Indian leaders warmly welcomed the Vietnamese Prime Minister’s visit, describing it as highly important to the two countries as they have recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Earlier on July 5, PM Dung said at the Vietnam-India Business Forum that the Vietnamese State and Government always created favourable conditions for Indian investors in Vietnam, especially Indian major groups to invest in fields such as information technology, electricity, oil and gas, metallurgy, coal, transport, agriculture, fisheries, food processing, health care and medicine.

At the forum, PM Dung witnessed the signing of a US $300 million co-operation agreement on hydro power plant construction, a US $200 million joint venture contract on oil and gas exploitation and an agreement on training.

During the visit, businesses of the two countries signed contracts and business agreements worth a combined US $4.5 billion. (VNA)

Seven co-operation documents signed

Right after the talks, the two PMs signed the joint declaration on the strategic partnership between Vietnam and India and witnessed the signing of seven important co-operation documents.

They included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on fisheries and aquaculture co-operation, an MoU between Vietnam’s Science and Technology Ministry and India’s Nuclear Energy Ministry on the implementation of an agreement on co-operation in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and an MoU on land and property exchange for the two countries’ diplomatic representative missions.

An MoU on the establishment of an English Language Training Centre in central coastal Da Nang city, a cultural exchange programme, a co-operation plan on agricultural research and education between the two agriculture ministries for the 2007-09 period and an educational exchange programme between the Vietnamese and Indian governments were also signed.

On the evening of July 6, Indian PM Manmohan Singh and his wife hosted a banquet in honour of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his wife and entourage.

During the visit, a number of business co-operation contracts and agreements totalling almost US $4.5 billion were signed between the two countries’ businesses. They include the signing of a co-operation agreement between the Vietnam Steel Corporation and India’s Tata group in the witness of the two PMs. (VNA)

Vietnam and India issue joint declaration on strategic partnership

Vietnam and India issued a joint declaration on strategic partnership in New Delhi on July 6, following the talks between Pr ime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The joint declaration runs in full as follows:

1. The Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam H.E. Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung paid a state visit to India from July 4 to 6, 2007 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of India , H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh.

2. Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 6, 2007. His engagements included a call on the President of the Republic of India , H.E. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The Prime Minister of India , H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh held detailed discussions with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung and hosted a banquet in his honour. The Speaker of Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition, Lok Sabha and the Minister of State of External Affairs paid courtesy calls on the Prime Minister of Vietnam.

3. Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung addressed a Business Summit jointly organised by the apex chambers of commerce and industry. The fifth Meeting of the India-Vietnam Joint Business Council was held in New Delhi during the visit.

4. The two Prime Ministers held extensive discussions on July 6, 2007 when they covered the entire gamut of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. The discussions were held in the traditionally warm and cordial atmosphere characteristic of the longstanding and close friendship between India and Vietnam . They focused in particular on enriching bilateral relations and on measures to further deepen the partnership between India and Vietnam , taking into account the development in bilateral relations, its potential and the far reaching changes in the international arena.

5. The two leaders recalled that India-Vietnam relations have been extremely friendly and cordial since their foundations were laid by Prime Minister Nehru and President Ho Chi Minh more than fifty years ago. They also recalled with satisfaction the discussion during their earlier meeting in Cebu , Philippines in January 2007 on the margins of the ASEAN Summit.

6. The two leaders observed that their meeting was taking place in the fifth year since the signing of the "Joint Declaration on the Comprehensive Co-operation Framework between India and Vietnam " in May, 2003. The two leaders observed that despite the changes in the regional and international situation over the years, the traditionally close ties of friendship between the two countries had remained steadfast. Noting the achievements in bilateral relations in the political, security, economic, science and technology and cultural fields, the two leaders resolved to strengthen India-Vietnam relations through the establishment of a New Strategic Partnership . This Partnership would anchor and help diversify and deepen the relationship between India and Vietnam in a rapidly changing international environment in years to come. This New Strategic Partnership would encompass bilateral relations in the political, economic, security, defence, cultural, scientific and technological dimensions and steer their co-operation in regional and multilateral fora.

Political, Defence and Security Co-operation

7. The two leaders highly valued the important contributions made to bilateral co-operation by various existing mechanisms such as the India-Vietnam Joint Commission and the India-Vietnam Foreign Office Consultations and noted the important outcomes of recent high level bilateral visits from both sides. In order to further enhance co-operation and understanding in the context of the New Strategic Partnership established between the two countries, they agreed to establish a Strategic Dialogue at the level of Vice Ministers in the Foreign Office.

8. Recognising the important role that India and Vietnam are called to play in the promotion of regional security, the two leaders welcomed the steady development of bilateral defence and security ties between their countries. They stressed the importance of existing institutional frameworks for defence and security co-operation between the two countries and pledged themselves to strengthen co-operation in defence supplies, joint projects, training co-operation and intelligence exchanges.

9. The two leaders agreed that contacts and exchanges of visits between the Defence and Security establishments of the two countries should be further enhanced.

10. Recognising that both countries have extensive maritime interests, the two sides agreed to work closely to enhance co-operation in capacity building, technical assistance and information sharing between their respective relevant agencies for ensuring security of sea-lanes, including combating piracy, preventing pollution and conducting search and rescue.

11. Recognising that terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, the two leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes and reiterated that no cause or motive can ever excuse or justify acts of terrorism. They resolved to strengthen bilateral co-operation in combating terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner and, to this end, they agreed to convene a meeting of concerned agencies to identify ways and means to further strengthen and expand the existing co-operation in counter-terrorism. Both sides also agreed to further promote co-operation in cyber-security.

12.The two leaders shared the view that in addition to opportunities for development, the on-going process of globalisation has posed a wide range of non-traditional security issues such as drug trafficking, natural calamities, climate change, energy security, HIV/AIDS, avian influenza and other epidemics that could be effectively tackled by international co-operation. Along these lines, they resolved to strengthen bilateral co-operation in dealing with these issues through a sharing of experience, expertise and information.

Closer Economic Co-operation and Commercial Engagement

13. The Prime Minister of India reiterated India’s commitment to assist Vietnam through soft loans and grants in vital areas of importance to Vietnam 's economic development based on the needs projected from time to time by the Vietnamese side. The Prime Minister of Vietnam expressed his appreciation for the assistance extended by India to Vietnam .

14. Recognising that closer economic integration between India and Vietnam could contribute to the transformation of the broader Asian region into an "Arc of Advantage and Prosperity" thereby promoting growth and stability, the two leaders welcomed efforts for the early conclusion of the India-ASEAN FTA. They directed their Trade Ministers to meet at an early date to put in place a strategy for significantly up-scaling bilateral trade and economic co-operation as well as to formulate plans for co-operation in various regional and multilateral fora. The Prime Minister of India agreed to the request of the Prime Minister of Vietnam for India's assistance in Vietnam's endeavors for fully integrating her economy with the global economy. Congratulating Vietnam on her entry into the WTO, the Prime Minister of India stated that this would provide yet another forum for co-operation between the two sides. The Vietnamese side proposed that India recognise Vietnam as a full market economy. The Indian side positively noted the Vietnamese proposal.

15. The two leaders noted with satisfaction that bilateral trade was growing steadily and resolved to take measures to increase bilateral trade turnover to US $ 2 billion by 2010. The two sides were, however, aware of Vietnam 's huge trade deficit with India and therefore agreed to take necessary measures to encourage Vietnam 's exports to India so as to reduce the existing trade imbalances between the two sides. They noted that the current year had seen a welcome trend of investment flows from India to Vietnam . There remained, however, considerable untapped potential that could be realised through the diversification of the trade basket and further increases in investments taking advantage of existing complementarities. The two leaders welcomed the enhancement of co-operation between Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the two countries in order to support the private sector through the opening of contact points for business, organisation of trade fairs and organising seminars on exchange of information on trade opportunities, trade experiences, business environment and investment on an annual basis.

16. Recognising the importance of global energy supplies to their respective national interests, the two leaders welcomed proposals for mutual investments and joint ventures in areas of complementarities such as the hydrocarbon and power sectors and directed oil and gas companies on both sides to further enhance their dialogue so as to conclude mutually beneficial agreements. The Vietnamese side noted the interest of some Indian companies for setting up refineries in Vietnam and welcomed the participation of Indian companies in bids for the import of crude oil from Vietnam .

17. The two leaders agreed to work together to improve connectivity and people-to-people contacts between their countries through enhanced tourism, aviation and shipping links. They also agreed to work both bilaterally and with other relevant countries in the ASEAN for improving land transportation linkages between the two countries.

Science and Technology Co-operation

18 . Both leaders agreed that a New Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam necessitated closer co-operation in the field of science and technology. Both leaders agreed to intensify technological co-operation including in the fields of climate research, health sciences, nanotechnology, biotechnology and other areas.

19 . The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the growing bilateral co-operation between the two countries in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and other areas of science and technology. They noted that there was considerable potential for scientific collaboration between the two countries in biotechnology, health, pure sciences, agriculture, science management, new materials and climate research.

20 . Both leaders noted with satisfaction their ongoing co-operation in the Information and Communication Technology sector and projects in human resource development and advanced computing to enable Vietnam to realise its goal of promoting its software industry in a self-sustaining manner.

21. The Prime Minister of Vietnam welcomed the willingness of the Indian Space Research Organisation in co-operating with the Vietnam’s space programme and indicated that the Vietnamese side would nominate an appropriate partner in this regard.

22. Both leaders agreed to promote greater linkages between their respective educational and research institutions and centers of excellence and directed their officials concerned to establish linkages between the various centers set up in Vietnam with Indian assistance, so as to benefit from their respective strengths and synergies. They agreed to encourage their citizens to engage in greater research activities, academic exchanges and scholarships.

23 . The Vietnamese side agreed to co-operate with India in the areas of its established strength, such as processing of wood and leather products. The two sides agreed to promote co-operation and the exchange of experiences in the fields both sides have strength in, such as trade in and processing of marine products. The two sides also agreed to exchange experiences and collaborate in the global market for agriculture produce like coffee, pepper, cashew, rubber, etc.

Cultural and Technical Co-operation

24. Both leaders noted with satisfaction the expansion of bilateral co-operation in the fields of culture, education and human resource development. The two sides also agreed to expedite a survey by a team of specialists from Archaeological Survey of India as well as its advice on the restoration of the Cham monuments in Vietnam . The Vietnamese side welcomed India’s contribution to the restoration of Cham monuments in Vietnam.

25. The Prime Minister of Vietnam expressed appreciation for the training opportunities availed of by Vietnamese nationals under India’s Technical and Economic Co-operation Programme (ITEC), the scholarships offered by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations for undergraduate/postgraduate study in India, training at the Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Vietnam and the proposed Centre for English Language training.

26. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the increase in people-to-people contacts both directly and through institutional mechanisms like friendship associations.

Multilateral and Regional Co-operation

27. The two leaders express their commitment to strengthen the role of the United Nations, so that it can become a more effective multilateral system, based on the principles of international law and the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN charter. This would strengthen its role in international peace and security as well as development. They cited the need to advance the objectives of the global agenda in a balanced manner and to adopt a comprehensive approach to the fulfillment of the Millennium Declaration and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.

28. Both leaders reiterated strong support for the ongoing reform of the United Nations and its principal organs, including the Security Council, with a view to making the United Nations more democratic, transparent and efficient so that it can deal more effectively with the myriad challenges of the contemporary world. They emphasised the importance of an early reform of the United Nations Security Council so that it reflects the contemporary realities and functions in a more democratic, transparent and responsive manner. In this regard they stressed that such a reform of the Council implied, amongst other things that the developing world would be more adequately represented , including through Permanent Members on the Council. The Vietnamese Prime Minister conveyed that Vietnam has been consistently supporting India’s candidature for a Permanent Seat on an expanded and reformed Security Council and reconfirmed this support. The Indian Prime Minister reiterated India’s support for Vietnam’s candidature for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2008-2009. The two sides agreed to remain closely engaged on various issues related to the reform of United Nations as reflected in the Outcome Document of the High Level Plenary Meeting of the 60 th Session of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York in September, 2005.

29. Both leaders emphasised the need to co-operate to ensure the successful outcome of the WTO Development Agenda because it would be important for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Both leaders expressed their commitment to ensure that the Doha Development round means a balanced outcome which meets the concerns of the developing countries.

30. The Indian Prime Minister cited the important and constructive role that Vietnam had played in the ASEAN and Vietnam’s contributions for regional stability. The Vietnamese Prime Minister expressed appreciation for India’s “Look East” policy and the growing partnership between ASEAN and India which had been further strengthened by the adoption of the “India-ASEAN Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity” and its detailed Plan of Action. Both leaders renewed the commitment and active participation of Vietnam and India in the Mekong-Ganga Corporation. Both leaders stressed that the India-ASEAN partnership is based on a common interest in the peace and prosperity of the entire South and Southeast Asian region. They also underlined their shared commitment for deepening the integration process of the Indian economy with the economies of the ASEAN.

31. India expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s support for India’s participation in the East Asia Summit. While acknowledging the centrality of ASEAN in leading the process of creating this new regional architecture, both countries reaffirmed the need for all member countries of the East Asia Summit to fully participate and actively contribute to a East Asia community where regional co-operation and integration are facilitated, and agreed to closely work together towards that objective. They further agreed that the East Asia Summit would remain outward looking and inclusive, complementing other existing regional mechanisms.

The two sides further agreed to exchange views and co-ordinate positions on the matters of mutual concern on multilateral fora, such as ARF, ASEM, EAS and the UN.

Conclusion

32. The two sides expressed their conviction that Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s highly successful visit to India and the decision of the two countries to establish a New Strategic Partnership have opened a new chapter in the friendship and co-operation between India and Vietnam .

33. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on behalf of the Vietnamese Government and people expressed his appreciation to the Government and the people of India for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He invited Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to visit Vietnam at a mutually convenient time. The invitation was accepted with pleasure with dates to be decided through diplomatic channels. (VNA)

Vietnam and India summit draws media interest

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's groundbreaking state visit to regional powerhouse India, has been watched closely by both the Indian and foreign press.

India’s “The Statesman” newspaper on July 5 run an article “West Bengal seeks co-operation in fisheries with Vietnam”, saying India is eager to work closely with Vietnam in the fields of aquaculture, dairy farming, and agriculture.

"We want our dairy and fisheries to be developed in collaboration with Vietnam. They have a great capacity to develop aquaculture. Nobody can match their standards in the production of crabs," West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was quoted as saying.

The UK's BBC radio said a large portion of enterprises present at an India-Vietnam business forum that was attended by PM Dung relayed plans to invest in Vietnam. A prominent contract between India-based APTECH, a global learning solutions giant and FPT of Vietnam that will see over 20 IT training centres opened in Vietnam, exemplified the interest that the Indian firms have in the country.

Radio France International (RFI) on July 5 also aired a bulletin saying promoting relations with Vietnam is an integral part of India’s “Look-East” policy.

Vietnam is an attractive destination for Indian investment, the radio said, because of the country’s socio-political stability and fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia.

The Straits Times of Singapore also said PM Dung’s visit, which will lead to a joint statement between the two countries on July 6, would help raise Vietnam-India bilateral relations to new heights.

The All India Radio has said that India and Vietnam are putting a lot of energy into doubling their current two-way trade, which has steadied at 1 billion by 2010.

Vietnam can learn from India’s experiences in developing agriculture, steel manufacturing, medicine production and information technology to further promote the national economy, whereas populous India whose economy is developing at one of the fastest rates in the world, would be a good market for Vietnamese-exported products, the International France Radio (RFI) said.

Meanwhile, the Voice of America (VOA) radio station has quoted Indian governmental authorities as saying Vietnam is now the greatest investment destination for Indian businessmen and PM Dung’s visit will open the door to increase political and economic relations between the two countries.

Indian foreign direct investment into Vietnam is projected to see a significant increase from US $580 million in 2006 as Indian firms have stated their desire to delve into massive steel production plants in southern and central industrial zones in Vietnam. (VNA)