During their third political consultative meeting in Ha Noi on Feb. 20-21, delegations from the two ministries also agreed to continue their coordination at regional and international forums, including the United Nations, South-South Cooperation, East Asia Summit, and Mekong-Ganga Cooperation.

The two sides discussed the implementation of the 2004-06 Plan of Action to implement the Viet Nam-India Declaration on the Framework of Comprehensive Cooperation Entering the 21st Century.

They also agreed to accelerate the exchange of visits at all levels, focusing on Prime Minister Phan Van Khai's visit to India and President Abdul Kalam's visit to Viet Nam in the coming period.

The two sides acknowledged developments in economic, commercial and investment cooperation and agreed to make greater efforts to increase two-way trade value to 1 billion USD as soon as possible.

They expressed hope that the two countries will soon open a direct air route between their capital cities to further boost cooperative ties in commerce, tourism and services as well as increase exchanges between their peoples. They agreed to hold the 13th meeting of the joint committee in India in 2006.

The Indian officials also affirmed that India will continue to assist Viet Nam in areas in which India has many advantages such as science, information technology, and education and training.

Regarding regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two sides welcomed positive developments in Southeast Asia and South Asia, which have contributed to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

The Indian side spoke highly of Viet Nam's contributions to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). It also thanked Viet Nam for its support for India's participation in the East Asia Summit as well as its efforts to boost the cooperative relations between India and ASEAN.

For its part, the Vietnamese side appreciated India's increasing role in the international arena and thanked India for its early conclusion of bilateral negotiations on Viet Nam's bid to join the World Trade Organisation (WTO)./.