Statement To The Press By The President Of India In Hanoi

Your Excellency President Nguyen Minh Triet,

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,

I am greatly pleased to have had this wonderful opportunity to visit Vietnam, one of India's closest friends. I am privileged to have had this occasion for a detailed exchange of views with His Excellency President Nguyen Minh Triet. My talks with the President were extensive and covered the entire gamut of relations with Vietnam.

Our discussions were held in an atmosphere of traditional friendship and close understanding marked by a warm atmosphere. We expressed deep satisfaction at the level of bilateral relations and the mutually beneficial cooperation and partnership developing rapidly between India and Vietnam. Our discussions included a wide range of subjects of bilateral interest.These covered the expanding bilateral trade and the promising trend of Indian investment in Vietnam. We exchanged views on cooperation in the vital fields of defence and law enforcement, terrorism,information and communications and nuclear technology, lines of credit and cultural cooperation including restoration of the Cham temples. We also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest, and agreed that terrorism was a global menace that required nations to work jointly.

I condemn in the strongest form the terrorist attacks Mumbai. This mindless attack is the work of those who have no regard for human lives, and are pursuing a path of destruction. My heartfelt condolences to those who have been affected by this act of terror.

Hostages are being held and I am informed that the authorities are dealing with the situation. I hope that this suffering comes to an end quickly and the perpatrators brought to book.

We noted that the Joint Commission has proved to be an effective mechanism in monitoring the activities of cooperation between the two countries in diverse areas and in giving concrete direction to such cooperation in future. We agreed that the 14th meeting of the Commission will be held in Hanoi in 2009.

We also considered exchange of visits between members of Parliaments to be an important instrument to promote bilateral understanding.

I have invited President Nguyen Minh Triet to pay a State Visit to India. The invitation has been accepted.

I am grateful for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation, and would like to take this opportunity to convey my deep gratitude to President Triet of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. I look forward to reciprocating the hospitality we have received when President Triet visits India.

Thank you.