India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, commenced his four-day visit to Vietnam with a warm and enthusiastic welcome. The visit, aimed at further solidifying India-Vietnam relations, encompasses a diverse array of activities, from unveiling the bust of Rabindranath Tagore to engaging with the Indian diaspora and exploring cultural ties.
Jaishankar’s visit began with a ceremonial welcome extended by his Vietnamese counterpart, Bui Thanh Son, at the renowned Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Jaishankar Communications
Expressing his gratitude, Jaishankar shared his excitement, stating, “Arrived in Vietnam today. Thank you @FMBuiThanhSon for the warm personal welcome at the renowned Tran Quoc pagoda. Looking forward to co-chairing the 18th Joint Commission Meeting tomorrow.”
Tran Quoc Pagoda, a historic landmark in Hanoi, symbolizes the age-old connections between India and Vietnam. Jaishankar noted, “The age-old links between India and Vietnam are symbolized by the Bodhi tree here. Was gifted by President Rajendra Prasad in 1959 to President Ho Chi Minh.”
One of the remarkable highlights of Jaishankar’s visit was the unveiling of the bust of Rabindranath Tagore in Bac Ninh province. The event was accompanied by a mesmerizing performance by the Quan Ho Art Theater group, which will soon journey to India for the 9th India International Dance and Music Festival in New Delhi.
Jaishankar expressed his appreciation for the group, further solidifying cultural ties between the two nations. Later in the day, the Minister engaged with members of the Indian diaspora in Bac Ninh province, further strengthening people-to-people connections. He also visited the Phat Tich Pagoda, a Buddhist cultural centre that houses cultural and sculptural treasures of the Ly Dynasty.
At the centre, he had the honour of meeting the Most Ven. Thich Thanh Nhieu of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, further emphasises the shared spiritual and cultural values of both nations.
“Good to meet Most Ven. Thich Thanh Nhieu of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at Phat Tich. Appreciated his positive sentiments about spirituality, yoga, art & culture,” Jaishankar shared, reflecting on his interaction at the Pagoda.
This visit, undertaken at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart, Bui Thanh Son, also involves co-chairing the 18th meeting of the India-Vietnam Joint Commission on Economic, Trade, Scientific, and Technological Cooperation.
India and Vietnam maintain a robust Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and this visit presents a golden opportunity to assess progress in various areas and explore ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation.
After concluding his visit to Vietnam, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will proceed to Singapore on an official visit from October 19-20.
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