SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE RECEPTION HOSTED BY AMBASSADOR OF INDIA TO VIETNAM

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 25th November 2008

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My fellow Indians and

Vietnamese friends,

I am very happy to visit Vietnam and to meet the leaders and the people of this great country. I am delighted to be here today with members of the Indian community, who have all been participating in the rapid economic transformation of Vietnam.

India-Vietnam friendship is deep rooted. The people of India have always stood with the people of Vietnam, once for liberation and re-unification of Vietnam, and now for Vietnam's economic development. Similarly, the people of Vietnam have always held the people of India in high esteem, and have always welcomed Indian visitors. The friendship between us is very strong, based on genuine trust and goodwill.

We salute the achievements of the Indian community in South East Asia, and especially in Vietnam. We are proud that the Indian community is contributing in no small measure to Vietnam's admirable achievements. I am also happy that the Indian community is working and living in an atmosphere of cordiality and camaraderie as the Vietnamese people have always welcomed Indian visitors.

I understand that Indian companies doing business in Vietnam are contributing in promoting Vietnam's exports to India. In a few weeks, we expect that India-ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement will be signed, thus paving the way for faster growth in trade and help in alleviating various constraints faced by exporters from both countries. We have every intention to fulfill our commitments. This Agreement, we hope, will also address the issue of trade deficit of Vietnam, which is a matter of some concern. India will be happy to help promote Vietnam's exports to India.

There are strong historical and cultural linkages between India and Vietnam. A number of ancient archaeological monuments depicting Indian culture have been found in Vietnam. The famous My Son Cham sanctuary near Danang is a testimony to such links. I am told that Vietnam has been identified among the countries where new cultural centres are to be set up by the Government of India. The Indian Cultural Centre in Hanoi will be a bridge between the peoples of India and Vietnam.

I am happy to convey to the distinguished gathering here that India today is on the move. Indians are appreciated and respected all over the world for their skill, knowledge and enterprise. Indian companies are marching with confidence to many countries across the globe. Our mission to the Moon - Chandrayaan, is a symbol of our acknowledged strength in science and space technology. There are enormous opportunities that the new India provides to you, from Vietnam and indeed to all in many corners of the world. I invite you to take advantage of such opportunities.

The Indian community must always feel secure in the knowledge that India cares for you. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has been specifically set up to cater to various requirements and concerns of Indian expatriates living abroad.

I look forward to my meeting with Vietnam's leaders in Hanoi. Our countries are strategic partners and we have every intention to act like one. In fact, all political parties in India have great admiration and respect for Vietnam. There is a very bright future for India-Vietnam relations and for our bilateral cooperation.

I wish you success in your endeavours and seek your continued contribution to the development of India-Vietnam relations.

Thank you very much.

Jai Hind