Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) meets Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich (Photo: VNA) PM Modi described GeneralLich’s visit as a positive contribution to strengthening India-Vietnam ties aswell as bilateral defence affiliation.
He said that India is a close friend of Vietnam, adding that the country considers Vietnam as atop priority in its “Act East” policy.
India will continue forging closer ties with Vietnamin five major areas, including defence, thus tapping cooperation potentialbetween the two countries and deepening the Vietnam-India comprehensive partnership,said the PM.
General Lich expresseddelight at India’sstrong growth, which has helped the country rise as a world power.
He thanked the Governmentand people of India for theirsupport to Vietnamduring the struggle for independence and for the cause of national defence andconstruction.
He briefed his host on theoutcomes of defence cooperation between the two countries, lauding the supportof the Indian Government and PM Modi for the two Defence Ministries to fostertheir affiliation.
The people and army of Vietnam will exertefforts to maintain and reinforce the sound traditional friendship between thetwo countries, which was founded by late Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehruand President Ho Chi Minh.
During his stay, GeneralLich met with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Kumar Doval. He alsovisited the Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) of India,and the Indian Air Force High Command.
On December 6, a number of bilateralmeetings were held between defence officials of Vietnamand India.-VNA
VNA
