India, Vietnam ties have evolved into multi-dimensional strategic partnership: Prez

President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said strong civilisational bonds exist between India and Vietnam since the second century AD, and added that these have today evolved into a vibrant and multi-dimensional strategic partnership.

Speaking at the inauguration of the India Study Centre in the Vietnam capital, President Mukherjee said, "Our current dialogue is based on the close understanding and friendship of the founding fathers of our two great nations."

"India and Vietnam have had similar experiences in shaping our national identities - our struggle for freedom from colonial rule, our thirst for development and the realization of the aspirations of our people," he added.

President Mukherjee said the bilateral dialogue between India and Vietnam is frank, and added that the co-operation in areas of common interest has grown from strength to strength.

"We are engaged in joint initiatives and programmes across a wide range of areas of common interest. In 2012, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. We have no irritants between us. (Former Vietnam) President Ho Chi Minh had likened the India- Vietnam relationship to a "cloudless sky"," he said.

Talking of a shared culture through the teachings of Lord Buddha, President Mukherjee said, "Our shared perceptions are shaped by the teachings of the Lord Buddha. These have inculcated in us a deep respect for peace and the harmonious co-existence of all living beings. On most regional and global issues, we have a convergence of views."

"Our Governments collaborate closely in the United Nations, World Trade Organisation and many regional and multilateral fora. Both our peoples are determined to create a society that is peaceful, prosperous and stable. With the changing dynamics in the Asia-Pacific, there has been a shift of economic and strategic gravity towards Asia. We see a growing role and relevance for our partnership in this context," he added.

Talking of the economic ties between the two countries, President Mukherjee said, "Vietnam is one of India's most important economic partners. Our bilateral trade has increased significantly - by 31 percent - to USD 8 billion in the year 2013-2014, surpassing the target that we had jointly set for ourselves."

"I would emphasise the importance of further strengthening our economic linkages. The potential of our complementarities is tremendous. There are new opportunities in trade and investment. There are also significant prospects for building regional supply chains. We can and must encourage joint ventures between our investors - in India and Vietnam and also in third countries. These, in turn, will undoubtedly promote growth, employment and efficiencies in both our economies," he added.

President Mukherjee arrived in Hanoi on Sunday on a four-day state visit during which he will look to boost the bilateral and strategic partnership between India and Vietnam.