Extending a warm welcome to Nguyen, the President said India-Vietnam relations are characterized by a unique, long-standing trust and mutual understanding.
He said the close and personal friendship between late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President Ho Chi Minh and subsequent generations of Indian and Vietnamese leaders have nurtured and strengthened the relations over the years.
Mukherjee said Vietnam is a country that all Indians hold in great respect and admiration. He said the relationship is based on convergence of interests and views on global and regional issues.
The President said the visit of the Party Secretary provided an excellent opportunity to identify areas to expand the strategic partnership and take it to greater heights.
Nguyen warmly reciprocated the sentiments expressed by the President and said Vietnamese people greatly value the support extended by India during the struggle for independence and in the process of national development.
He said that given the potential, the level of economic and trade cooperation is still modest. He expressed the hope that his visit will further deepen and add substance to the strategic partnership.