New Delhi, 05 May (H.S.):
Vietnam President To Lam arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday evening on his first state visit to India. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai welcomed him at the airport. India and Vietnam are celebrating 10 years of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership this year.
Vietnam President's India journey began today from Bodh Gaya in Bihar. Bihar Governor Lt. General Syed Ata Hasanain (retired) and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary welcomed him here. President Lam offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, thousands of years-old spiritual heritage and Buddhism serve as a vibrant bridge connecting the people of India and Vietnam. This visit will further strengthen our multifaceted and robust bilateral relations.
At Prime Minister Modi's invitation, Vietnam Communist Party's Central Committee General Secretary and Vietnam President Lam will remain on a state visit to India from May 5-7. He has also come with a high-level delegation comprising ministers and senior officials of Vietnam government.
President Lam will be formally welcomed on Wednesday at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Modi will have comprehensive discussions with President Lam on various aspects of bilateral relations along with regional and global issues of mutual interest. President Lam will also visit Mumbai during his India visit.
President Droupadi Murmu will also meet the visiting leader. During his visit, President To Lam is scheduled to visit the National Stock Exchange, meet Maharashtra Chief Minister and Governor. He is also scheduled to attend a business forum in Mumbai.
This visit coincides with the special occasion of the two countries marking the 10th anniversary of the elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, agreed during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Vietnam in 2016.
The discussions will focus on advancing defence cooperation, trade, and critical technologies.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
