Hanoi, Jan 5 (IANS) Vietnam and India Thursday marked the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations at a ceremony in the Ho Chi Minh City.

Visiting Indian Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed, Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Ranjit Rae and Vietnamese officials attended.

India and Vietnam Thursday also marked the 5th anniversary of their strategic partnership (2007-2012).

Both sides began their bilateral relations Jan 7, 1972.

The “traditional friendship” founded by the then Vietnam president Ho Chi Minh and then Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru reinforced that bond and become an invaluable asset of the two countries, said Huynh Thanh Lap president of the Vietnam-India Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City.

Both nations have cooperated in the fields of politics, security, defence, trade and investment, culture, tourism and human resource development.

In the last decade, the two-way trade turnover has increased significantly and is expected to surpass $3.5 billion, said Lap.

The Indian minister said Vietnam is a special and respectful friend of India.

Vietnam holds a strategic position in India’s “Look East” policy, and enjoys priorities in its foreign policies, Xinhua quoted Ahamed as saying.

Participants of the two sides expressed their belief on mutual trust and friendship, it said.