“It was a trip of great importance that created momentum for bilateral ties and opened a new chapter in bilateral cooperation, making it more substantial, extensive, deeper and with more opportunities,” said the official, who highlighted that Minh Chinh was one of the first foreign leaders invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after being re-elected for a third term.

In addition to issuing a Joint Declaration on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership, India and Vietnam signed nine cooperation agreements.

Both sides agreed to strengthen their cooperation in five aspects, the first of which is to promote greater strategic and political trust, and further deepen defense and security collaboration; promote economic, commercial, and direct investment cooperation to make it more substantial and effective, so that this is reflected in the fulfillment of the goal of raising bilateral trade to 20 billion dollars by 2030, as well as doubling the value of the investment.

The Prime Minister of Vietnam proposed that India eliminate trade barriers and open its doors to production in areas in which Vietnam is strong, such as electronics, clothing, textiles, and agricultural products.

Both sides also agreed to promote collaboration in research and development (R&D) and innovation of core technology, semiconductor chips, artificial intelligence, atomic energy, and rare earths, and expand cooperation in the petrochemical sector and new energy.

Finally, the two countries will promote a closer bilateral association in culture, tourism, and exchanges between people. To this end, they agreed to sign a collaboration agreement in the tourism industry as soon as possible.

The parties also reaffirmed their close traditional friendship, respect, and support in general foreign policy. They also expressed willingness to join forces to build peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the Asia-Pacific region and the Indian Ocean.

jrr/jha/mpm