“China’s claim on the sea is illegal. On this issue, India’s stand that the law of the sea must be respected, is positive.” – HE Thanh
LPU, September 22, 2016: His Excellency Ambassador of Vietnam Ton Sinh Thanh visited Lovely Professional University today for an interaction on the topic of “ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) & India Relations”.
Ton Sinh Thanh was born on April 7, 1959 in Nge An (Vietnam). He graduated from the School of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) in 1980 and got an advanced study diploma from the Moscow Diplomatic Academy (1987-1990) and a Masters from Paterson School of Foreign Relations, of the Carleton University (Ottawa) in 1998.
He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam in 1990. After different postings overseas, he was appointed in 2001 as the Assistant Director, to the then Deputy Director of the Asia II Department of the ministry.
Addressing the audience at Shanti Devi Mittal auditorium, LPU, he spoke about the development of his country, Vietnam, highlighting the vulnerable state of Vietnam when wars created destruction and the country had to seek support from the United States of America to get back on its feet. He discussed how 30 years ago, Vietnam was a leading economy charting itself amongst the top 50 developed economies in the world, but now their annual GDP amounted approximately what India invests in a year. Congratulating our country on its booming economy, he mentioned that the Vietnam economy is developing, but not better than India. Also he talked about India’s Prime Minister Mr.Narendra Modi’s visit to Vietnam in the beginning of September and expressed his delight at the friendly relations between the two countries.
Talking about South China Sea, HE Ambassador Thanh shared, “India’s standing on South China Sea Issue is positive. In fact, India and Vietnam share very good relations and they help each other in training and usage of equipments. However, that help is not guided against any other country (clearly talking about China). We and all other 6 parties involved are ready to negotiate on South China Sea issue, but we are waiting for China to respond. China has created its own islands on the sea and as per the reports, China’s claim on the sea is illegal. On this issue, India’s stand that the law of the sea must be respected is positive.”
In an answer to a student’s question, “how Vietnam is balancing economic and political relation with China?”, HE Thanh informed that theit trade with China is 10 times that with India, and Vietnam is balancing the dependency over China.
HE Thanh was leading a high profile delegation from Vietnam including Mrs Phan Thi vinh Khanh (Ambassador’s Spouse), Counsellor – Head of Political and Cultural Section Mrs Bach Thanh Binh, Counselor – Head of Economic Section Mr Tran le Tien, Mr Nguyen Huu Trung (Mrs Binh’s Spouse) and Staff of the Embassy Mrs Le Thi Minh Hien. LPU Executive Dean Dr. Sanjay Modi, from LPU School of Business welcomed the elite guests.
During the 14th ASEAN-India Summit, PM Modi recently commended ASEAN Member States on the establishment of the ASEAN Community and reiterated its support for ASEAN’s efforts in the realization of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. The ASEAN Leaders have appreciated India’s continued support for the ASEAN Unity and Centrality in the evolving regional architecture, including India’s active participation and positive contribution to ASEAN-led mechanisms. ASEAN‘s principal aim includes accelerating economic growth, social progress, and socio-cultural evolution among its members, alongside the protection of regional stability. It also has the provision of a mechanism for member countries to resolve differences peacefully.
Inputs : Priyanka Kaushal
Photo : Shashikant Dubey
