(VOVworld) - Vietnam values its time-honored friendship and strategic partnership with India. While meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj Wednesday outside the Asian-African Conference, President Truong Tan Sang expressed his hope for closer bilateral ties and more visits by senior leaders.

President Truong Tan Sang meets with Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj outside the Asian-African Conference. (Photo: tuoitre.vn)

President Sang called for an effort to reach 15 billion USD in bilateral trade by 2020 and favorable conditions for cooperation between businesses of the two countries.

He suggested Vietnam and India work closely together at regional and global forums. The leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and maritime security, and the peaceful settlement of East Sea disputes in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea.  They reiterated the need to soon adopt the Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

Swaraj expressed her delight at the fine development of bilateral ties after the new Indian government was established, reflected in frequent high-level delegation exchanges and effective cooperation. She called for more people-to people exchanges and the establishment of cultural centers in the two capitals.