President Truong Tan Sang has highlighted encouraging developments in the Vietnam-India traditional friendship and strategic partnership.

At a reception given to Director General of the Indian Council of World Affairs, the think-tank of the Indian Ministry of External Relations, Rajiv K. Bathia, in Hanoi on July 18, President Sang spoke highly of India’s official development assistance to Vietnam .

He said bilateral trade relations have seen development but failed to meet potential.

Cultural similarities will ensure favourable conditions for the two nations and peoples to promote solidarity, said the President.

He said he believes the launch of the Hanoi-New Delhi direct air route will facilitate trade and cultural exchange between the two nations.

For his part, Rajiv K. Bathia said his visit following President Sang’s visit to India is a fine symbol of bilateral cooperation.

The Indian guest informed the host of the outstanding results of a seminar on Vietnam-India Strategic Partnership: Future Orientations.

He said that after the seminar, Indian scholars will cooperate with Vietnam to publish reports and researches on Vietnam-India relations. He also said he hopes to receive relevant Vietnamese agencies’ support for this activity.

Rajiv K. Bathia highlighted Vietnam’s support to India at international and regional forums and said he hopes Vietnam will facilitate Indian businesses’ investment in Vietnam./.

(CPV/VNA)