With fond memories of his visit as a Finance Minister in 2011, President Pranab Mukherjee will revisit Vietnam from September 14 to17. The President had some time back expressed preference to travel only within the country than abroad, but, given the relationship that he shares with the Vietnamese leadership, the President does not mind this bit of foreign travel.
“There is a strong emotional link with Vietnam, which the President feels is like a close friend. He feels there is hardly anyone in India who would not sympathise with Vietnam’s struggle for liberation,” said Veny Rajamony, President’s Press secretary.Officials of both India and Vietnam are working on a list of agreements to make the President’s trip more fruitful.
The two countries are likely to sign important agreements in the field of defence, trade, culture and education. MoUs are likely to be signed specifically on animal husbandry, custom co-operation, fish farming youth exchanges, monument restoration and a joint venture for oil and gas exploration between OVl and PetroVietnam.
India has been a major ally for Vietnam in the South Eastern region and has helped in modernization of Vietnamese police force. Vietnam is also looking at buying BrahMos missiles from India, besides seeking training for its navymen and pilots.The President will be taking a sapling of the banyan tree of Bodhigaya as a gift for Vietnam. The tree will be placed in the Presidential Palace in Hanoi.