ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRI RAM NATH KOVIND AT THE BANQUET HOSTED IN HIS HONOUR BY THE PRESIDENT OF VIETNAM
Hanoi : 20.11.2018
1. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to you Mr President for your very warm words of welcome and your gracious hospitality.
2. Our two countries share historic and special ties. We in India have the greatest respect for you and your indomitable people. Our age-old relations nurtured by our shared bonds of spirituality, culture and Buddhist and Hindu philosophy have brought us together as friends and as partners.
3. From the days of Cham civilization to our modern day Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vietnam-India relations have been one of mutual respect, trust and goodwill. Today, we have committed ourselves to continue to walk the path with ever greater determination and purpose.
4. Our peoples have shared a lot with each other. But we have to exchange more, be it commodities, our diverse and delectable cuisines or our colourful cultural expressions.
5. I am confident that in the years to come, our partnership will attain greater heights. And I am certain that India and Vietnam, as two of the fastest growing economies, will provide stability and growth to this region and the world.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. It gives me great pleasure to invite you to join me in a toast:
- to the health and happiness of the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Madam First Lady;
- to the well being and prosperity of the people of Vietnam; and
- to everlasting friendship between India and Vietnam.