External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday arrived in Vietnam on the first leg of his two-nation trip to Southeast Asia. The minister took to X, formerly Twitter, and shared the update on his arrival in Vietnam. He visited the historical Tran Quoc Pagoda, which was constructed in the 6th century, and is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, reported PTI. Jaishankar was welcomed by his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son at the renowned temple.
“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,” Jaishankar said in the post on X.
He also shared some photographs of his visit on X and said, “Visited the historical Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi. The age-old links between India and Vietnam are symbolised by the Bodhi tree here. Was gifted by President Rajendra Prasad in 1959 to President Ho Chi Minh.”
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar is on a six-day trip to southeast Asia during which he is visiting Vietnam and from here, will go to visit Singapore from October 19 to 20. The visit is aimed at shoring up bilateral cooperation in diverse areas with these two strategically located Southeast Asian nations.
“India and Vietnam share a robust comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnam is a key member of our Act East Policy. The external affairs minister’s visit will provide an opportunity to review progress in several areas and discuss ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation,” the MEA said on Saturday.
He will also co-chair the 18th meeting of the India-Vietnam Joint Commission on economic, trade and scientific and technological cooperation with his Vietnamese counterpart, Bui Thanh Son, the statement said.
“The external affairs minister will visit Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and is expected to hold talks with the Vietnamese leadership,” the MEA further said, adding that Jaishankar will also meet members of the Indian community and unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Ho Chi Minh City.