The President of India, Pratibha Patil is scheduled to go on a 10-day visit to Vietnam and Indonesia by next week. The President's visit aims to boost India's policy of 'look east'. During her visit, Pratibha Patil will further expand the bilateral ties of India with the two countries. Speaking to media, MEA secretary (East) N Ravi stated that the visit will deepen the relationships of India with the countries of Indonesia and Vietnam. Vietnam and Indonesia are the parts of ASEAN fraternity.

 

He informed that during her 10-day stint, the President will hold talks with the leaders of the two countries for enhancing bilateral relations. Besides discussing slew of issues concerning the three countries, Pratibha Patil will focus on intensifying trade and investment. Over the years, both Vietnam and Indonesia have seen impressive growth rates. According to N Ravi, President's visit will help to assess the present state of relations among the three countries.

 

Pratibha Patil's visit to Vietnam and Indonesia will help to gauge the economic, political and cultural relations of the three nations. Referring to the India's relationship with the two countries, N Ravi claimed that India, Vietnam and Indonesia hold a strong and old alliance among themselves. Pratibha Patil will leave for the two-nation visit on November 24, 2008.