HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and Indian President Ram Nath Kovind discussed a joint vision to deepen the Việt Nam-India comprehensive strategic partnership during their meeting in Hà Nội yesterday on the occasion of the Indian leader’s state visit to Việt Nam.

The two sides agreed to regularly maintain visits and meetings at all levels, as well as people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and effectively implement existing co-operation mechanisms and seek new measures to promote bilateral relations.

PM Phúc took the occasion to convey his invitation to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to visit Việt Nam.

The two leaders highlighted the effective defence co-operation between the two countries, agreeing that it was a key pillar of their bilateral ties. They applauded the implementation of the US$100 million credit package to support Việt Nam’s border forces in building high-speed patrol boats.

They stressed the need to give priority to promoting economic co-operation towards reaching the goal of $15 billion in two-way trade.

The two leaders suggested concerned ministries and sectors held dialogues to explore possibilities to open up their markets.

PM Phúc thanked Indian leaders, especially Prime Minister Modi, for their goodwill and willingness to discuss solutions to reduce trade protection, thus protecting the interests of Vietnamese enterprises.

He appreciated India’s investment in its fields of strength that met Việt Nam’s demand such as energy, renewable energy and high-tech agriculture.

The two sides agreed to intensify coo-peration between the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation of India and the Việt Nam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam), especially in terms of stepping up the search and exploration of oil. They also agreed to implement the memorandum of understanding on co-operation in oil and gas exploration projects in third countries.

PM Phúc and President Kovind stressed the need to expand collaboration in the spheres of information technology, science-technology, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchange, saying that there was huge potential for the two sides to boost their links in these fields.

They also emphasised that it was necessary to increase connectivity while agreeing to lay smooth conditions for budget carrier VietJet to launch direct flights from HCM City to New Delhi.

The two sides agreed to continue working closely and supporting each other at regional and international forums, especially within the United Nations.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and aviation at sea, while peacefully settling disputes in line with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982, and soon concluding an effective and binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea. — VNS