SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE BANQUET HOSTED BY H. E. NGUYEN MINH TRIET, THE PRESIDENT OF SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

Hanoi, Vietnam, 27th November 2008

Your Excellency Mr. Nguyen Minh Triet, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to be in Vietnam, a country that occupies so dear a place in the hearts of the Indian people. Ever since we arrived in this beautiful country, the dynamism and energy that we have seen all around has been truly captivating. I thank you for the invitation to visit your great country and for the warm hospitality extended to us since our arrival.

India and Vietnam have had cultural and trade links since ancient times. Even before the two countries gained independence, our leaders Prime Minister Nehru and President Ho Chi Minh had forged a close bond. Our relations have consistently developed and blossomed since then, particularly after the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1972. Successive generations of our leaders have contributed to the strengthening of our friendly ties, and to the construction of the strong edifice of genuine trust and goodwill that is in evidence today between the two countries.

I sincerely acknowledge the strong condemnation by Your Excellency of the terrorist attack in India and would like to convey India's determination to fight this evil menace with renewed vigour.

During the visit of Prime Minister Dung to India last year, we rightly elevated our relationship to a 'strategic partnership' - a partnership that is rooted in the commonalities of interest, a partnership nurtured by mutual trust and friendship, and a partnership founded on a shared vision. We are convinced that India-Vietnam strategic partnership will not only enrich our bilateral relations but will also help to promote peace, stability and security in the region.

We will work with Vietnam for enhancing our political, economic, and cultural co-operation. It is very heartening to see the rapid growth in our economic and trade ties in recent years. I am particularly pleased to learn that several industrial houses and companies of India have started making investments in Vietnam. This is a sound decision. Because investment in Vietnam is not to be seen as being driven only by commercial interests but also as an investment for deepening our friendship.

In India, we have great admiration for the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people with which they have overcome all odds, and achieved success. I would like to complement the leadership of Vietnam for ably steering the reform process of its economy and taking the country along the path of progress and prosperity.

India has always considered it a privilege to participate in Vietnam's development process. Our cooperation in diverse areas such as agriculture, education, science and technology, has been quite satisfactory. India offers her fullest cooperation and is ready to extend whatever assistance is required. In this spirit, our Government decided to donate a super computer with the aim of sharing advanced science and technology with Vietnam.

Excellency, India is deeply appreciative of the consistent support that Vietnam has extended to us on issues of mutual concern at international fora, including for the permanent membership of India in the expanded UN Security Council.

We must work together to jointly face emerging challenges and also exploit the new opportunities. I see a bright future for our cooperation in regional and international fora, including ASEAN, East Asia Summit, WTO and the UN, just to name a few.

Excellency, I hope to receive you in India soon to carry our discussion forward on ways and means to consolidating our ties. In conclusion, I thank you for your untiring efforts and contribution for the strengthening of our bilateral ties.

It gives me great pleasure to invite you all in joining me in a toast to:

-- the good health and happiness of President Triet and all of you present here tonight;

-- the progress, prosperity and success of the people of Vietnam; and

-- the continuous strengthening of friendship and cooperation between India and Vietnam.

Thank you