India will be Vietnam's all-weather friend: President Pranab Mukherjee

HANOI (VIETNAM): Invoking the "common heritage" with Vietnam, President Pranab Mukherjee today said India will always be an "all-weather" friend for the south east Asian nation.

"Our two countries have been closely linked, over the centuries, by the mutually beneficial trade and peaceful contacts. Of these, the most enduring bond that we share is our common heritage of Buddhism.

"Even today, the teachings and principles of Lord Buddha are valid and relevant and are embraced by both our societies in our daily life and interactions," the President said in his banquet speech.

Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang hosted the banquet dinner in the honour of Mukherjee.

The Indian President is on a four-day state visit to the country and he wrapped up his important bilateral meetings with the top leadership of Vietnam today as he is scheduled to leave for Ho Chi Minh City tomorrow.

"India will always remain your reliable and all weather friend," he said.

"I am honoured to be here. I thank you for your generous words and the kind sentiments expressed by you which I fully reciprocate.

"I was profoundly touched by the warmth of the reception accorded to me and to my delegation by the Government and the people of Vietnam. My visit to Vietnam provides me an opportunity to personally convey the deep commitment of the Government and the people of India to the enduring friendship and co-operation between our two great nations," the President said.

He said the struggle for freedom also connects both the nations.

"Vietnam is a country whose people India holds in the highest esteem. We have great admiration for the unconquerable spirit of the Vietnamese people for their determination to succeed against all odds and their tenacity and fortitude against even the most powerful adversaries.

"Today, the same attributes and national character are driving your economic growth and development. These have resulted in increased prosperity and better living standards of your people," he said.