Vietnam President to hold bilateral talks, aims to strengthen partnership

As part of his three-day visit from March 2 to 4, Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang, who aims to strengthen their partnership to ward off China's growing influence, will hold talks with his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang also paid tribute at Raj Ghat in New Delhi on Saturday morning.

The visiting dignitary will also attend a Vietnam-India Business Forum and the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Days in India 2018. 

The Vietnamese President is leading an 18-member delegation, including ministers, party leaders, and businessmen.

President Quang is also expected to interact with prominent Indian businessmen.

External Affairs Minister called on visiting Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang and discussed ways to further deepen the bilateral relationship.

"Discussion focused on steps to further strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership by expanding cooperation across all sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. 

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vietnam in 2017 the bilateral relationship was elevated from Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

Modi and Quang will hold a bilateral meeting later in the day following which a number of agreements are expected to be signed.

Quang arrived in Delhi on Friday night and was received by President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival. He also received a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar took to Twitter and said, "And this is how we welcome our esteemed guest! Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang was accorded a ceremonial welcome @RashtrapatiBhvn in the presence of President Shri Ram Nath Kovind and PM @narendramodi."