Viet Nam, India convene 18th meeting of Joint Commission in Ha Noi

Bui welcomed Jaishankar's first official visit to Viet Nam in his capacity as Indian Foreign Minister, saying the visit would help further promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Minister Jaishankar congratulated on Viet Nam's socio-economic development and diplomacy achievements, affirming India always attaches importance to consolidating and enhancing the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Viet Nam.

The two ministers reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation since the Commission's previous meeting as well as the outcomes of the implementation of the action plan for the 2021-2023 period.

They agreed that both countries would foster the exchange of delegations and contacts at all levels, run the bilateral cooperation mechanisms effectively, soon launch economic diplomacy dialogue at Deputy Foreign Ministerial level, work together to formulate an action plan for the 2024-2026, continue defense cooperation in accordance with the Joint Vision Statement on Viet Nam-India defense partnership towards 2030; and accelerate negotiations and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Judicial Cooperation between Viet Nam's Ministry of Justice and India's Department of Justice.

Both sides agreed to coordinate closely in creating a favorable legal framework to soon lift the two-way trade to US$20 billion from over US$15 in 2022.

The two countries would soon convene the 4^th meeting of the joint working group on information technology, and launch talks on a digital partnership agreement between the two countries, the two ministers agreed.

They also agreed that both countries would continue mutual support and coordination at multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations.

Minister Jaishankar reassured that India supports the central role of ASEAN in the regional architecture, and considers ASEAN a focus in its "Act East" policy.

The pair underlined the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation; complying with international law in the East Sea; settling disputes peacefully on the basis of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, with full respect for diplomatic and legal processes; refraining from threat or use of force or actions that would complicate or escalate conflicts, undermining peace and stability in the region and the world./.