Modi visits Ambassadors' Pagoda in Vietnam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the Quan Su Pagoda, also known as the Ambassadors' Pagoda here.

"At the heart of the Vietnamese Buddhism, a precious treasure of Hanoi. PM @narendramodi visits Quan Su Pagoda," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

The historic monument is also known as the Ambassadors' Pagoda as there was a guest house here in the 17th century for the ambassadors of Buddhist countries.

Modi offered prayers at the sanctum sanctorum, and was accorded a rousing reception by the monks, an official statement said.

Interacting with the monks, the Prime Minister said that he is fortunate to visit the Pagoda, and recalled that India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, had visited the pagoda in 1959.

"Our relationship spans 2,000 years. Some people came here with the objective of war. We came here with a message of peace -- the message of Buddha, which has endured," Modi said.

He said the world must walk on the path of peace, which brings happiness and prosperity.

"Buddhism took the sea route from India to Vietnam, and therefore Vietnam has received the purest form of Buddhism. I have seen a glow on the faces of the monks who have been to India, and a great curiosity on the faces of those who wish to travel to India," he said.

The Prime Minister invited them to visit the land of the Buddha, and especially Varanasi, which he represents in Parliament.

Earlier on Saturday, Modi and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc held delegation-level talks following which the two sides signed 12 agreements.

Prime Minister Phuc also hosted Modi for a luncheon.

--IANS

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