Press Statement Of The President Of India On Board Her Special Aircraft On Her Way Back From Her State Visits To Vietnam And Indonesia

Following is the text of the Press Statement of the President of India,Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil on board her Special Aircraft on her way back to India, after completing her State Visits to Vietnam and Indonesia:-

"We had departed from Delhi on 24th November to visit Vietnam and Indonesia.

Earlier in the day, I held bilateral talks with President Sushilo Yudhoyono covering bilateral and other subjects of regional and international importance. We agreed on the need to give substance and content to the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the two countries. We expressed satisfaction at the growth of institutional linkages between India and Indonesia, the rapid expansion in bilateral trade and investment and the development of closer linkages in science & technology and culture.

In response to the expression of sympathy and support, in the aftermath of the recent terror attacks in Mumbai, I conveyed India's determination to face the challenges squarely and root it out completely. I indicated that India and Indonesia should cooperate actively in dealing with this menace to which President Yudhoyono responded positively.

I also had separate meetings with the Chairmen of the three Houses of Parliament of Indonesia. During these meetings I had the occasion to reiterate the willingness of India to receive more parliamentary delegations from Indonesia. As the two largest democracies in Asia, this would enable the democratic institutions in both countries to grow strong for diversified cooperation in the coming years and decades.

An MOU on Agriculture and allied sectors as well as an MOU on Exchange in Youth Affairs and Sports were signed today after the bilateral talks.

I visited Bali, a region with which we have had more than two millennia of cultural contacts. Bali has been very successful in preserving its cultural traditions. During my stay there, I met with the Governor of Bali and with eminent Balinese personalities from various fields. We discussed ways of enhancing our linkages with Bali. The Governor of Bali expressed condolences at the loss of lives in the acts of terrorism in Mumbai. While in Bali, I visited the Taman Ayun Temple where I participated in a traditional prayer ceremony. At the temple, I planted a Mangosteen fruit tree which is regarded as a symbol of peace, serenity and harmony. I, along with others present, prayed for peace in India and all over the world.

During my visit to Vietnam earlier, I was able to meet with the entire leadership of Vietnam and a cross section of the Vietnamese society in the field of economic, commercial and social spheres. This was the first high level visit to Vietnam after the declaration of the establishment of a Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam made in July 2007. The leadership congratulated India on its great economic achievements through the advancement of science & technology posted over the last couple of decades. They expressed the desire to work closely with India to strengthen the Strategic Partnership. While condemning the terrorist attacks in Mumbai the Vietnamese leadership expressed full support to India.

In my discussions with the leadership we laid emphasis on increased contacts through tourism, trade and commerce, assisted by direct air links between India and Vietnam. There was a keenness on the side of Vietnamese leaders and business organisations, to invite more investment from India, and thus to diversify our economic partnership. An MoU was concluded between the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the two countries. At the social-cultural level, I look forward to the exchange of women's delegations between India and Vietnam, and increased cooperation in the field of education and modern science & technology, in the coming months and years. We have decided to open a Cultural Centre in Hanoi.

As I look back at the visit, I see the significance of India's 'Look East' policy with two members of ASEAN, Vietnam at its northern periphery and Indonesia at its southern rim. During my discussions, I was able to sense the feeling of genuine friendship that exists in both countries. I am, therefore, satisfied that the objective of further deepening and strengthening relations with these countries have been achieved. My visit was a step in the 21st century, which offers us many opportunities and yet equally complex challenges. I am confident that with the experience, maturity and wisdom that all countries possess, we can work towards a bright future.

As you are aware, due to the sad demise of former Prime Minister V.P. Singh, a number of events during the visit had to be cancelled on account of the State mourning declared in India. I also limited the State Visit to Indonesia to the events on the main day of engagements on 1st December and decided to return to India after undertaking all scheduled engagements, in view of the situation in Mumbai.

The incidents in Mumbai were an act of terrorism committed by those who have no respect for human life. The armed and trained terrorists deliberately targeted innocent lives to cause panic, to disrupt normal life, to inflict damage and hamper the progress of the country. Many innocent lives were lost and many more injured. I would once again like to convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and my heartfelt sympathies to those who are injured. I am returning directly to Mumbai today.

Those brave men of my defence forces, the security personnel of NSG and the Maharashtra police who fought valiantly and those among them who lost their lives deserve the nation's gratitude. The consensus of the nation is that terrorism is unacceptable. The need of the hour is for the whole nation to stand unitedly and to support all measures to deal effectively with the situation. The Government is looking at strengthening the laws as well as the security systems. With this in mind, the Government had convened an All Party meeting also.

Countries across the globe have condemned the horrendous act and expressed their solidarity with India. The Governments of Vietnam and Indonesia have been unequivocal in extending their full support and co-operation to India on this issue.

The safety and the security of citizens is of the utmost importance. I call upon all fellow citizens to work together in the fight against terrorism. This is important for the nation's security. It is only when we are united, that the nation will continue to progress.

Thank you."