The second Vietnam-India People’s Friendship Festival opened in Hanoi on September 19 to promote friendship, cooperation and development between the Vietnamese and Indian peoples.

Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan was present at the festival, along with leaders from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), as well as Indian ambassador to Vietnam, Ranjit Rae, and nearly 200 delegates from both countries.

Hoang Van Phong, Chairman of the Vietnam-India Friendship Association, said the two countries have long lasting traditional ties of friendship that were established by President Ho Chi Minh and President Jawaharlal Nehru. India supported Vietnam in the past struggles for national independence and during the current process of national construction. The friendship and cooperative relationship between the two countries have developed strongly in all fields, especially since they established a strategic partnership in July 2007.

Mr Phong expressed his hope that the two countries will continue their mutually beneficial relations in the future to meet the aspirations of both nations and peoples.

Head of the Indian delegation and General Secretary of the All-India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO), Reddy Yadav Komplally praised Vietnam’s economic achievements in its process of renewal and affirmed that India will always support Vietnam in the years to come.

During the festival, which runs until September 24, a wide range of activities will be held, including art performances and seminars.

Source: VOV