Read in Vietnamese.
I am delighted to contribute to this commemorative publication to mark the 75th anniversary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. In the past 75 years of its journey, MOFA has achieved remarkable feats in supporting Vietnam’s rise as a modern, independent nation, both domestically and in the international arena. When MOFA was founded in 1945, Vietnam was emerging from years of political subjugation and economic exploitation. Vietnam’s leaders were far-sighted in understanding that economic progress and peace would require closer integration with the international community. To achieve these goals, MOFA emerged as one of the foremost institutions of the country.
India, right since its independence over seven decades ago and as a close and trusted friend, has been constantly a part of Vietnam’s incredible growth story. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that India and Vietnam enjoy today is reflective of the importance of their relations in the midst of the current geo-political and geo-economic realities in the region. Today, Vietnam figures prominently in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision.
The close and constant interaction between Vietnam’s MOFA and India’s Ministry of External Affairs has helped both countries to deepen their diplomatic engagement based on shared values and interests and in shaping their overall approach to international relations. We have similarity of views on most regional and international issues. Both India and Vietnam bring voices of moderation, inclusivity and equity in the global discourse, which are important for international conduct in today’s world. We both respect international law and rules-based order. Both our countries are today contributing to regional and global peace and development through UN Peacekeeping as well as through our committed actions towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals and addressing Climate Change.
This strong tradition of engaging with each other in multilateral forum is going to be further reinforced as India joins Vietnam as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council on January 1st, 2021. Our presence together in the Security Council will provide a renewed basis for us to work together on many global issues.
As a close friend, India is happy to see Vietnam playing the role of an active and responsible member of the international community by making contributions to peace, stability and prosperity of our shared region, including through enhanced regional cooperation under the ASEAN framework. We are grateful to Vietnam for guiding our engagement with ASEAN as our Country Coordinator and contributing to the success of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held in New Delhi in January 2018. With Vietnam successfully steering the ASEAN presidency in 2020 despite the disruptions of COVID-19, India’s engagements with Vietnam and ASEAN have been further strengthened.
India remains committed to working together with Vietnam in further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and in promoting regional and global peace, stability and prosperity. We are confident that the robust foundation of our friendship which was laid by our great leaders shall grow even stronger in the coming days. In the pursuit of this objective, we continue looking at MOFA as a valuable partner.
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