(VOVworld) - Vietnam’s Order of Friendship was presented in Kolkata on Tuesday to Geetesh Sharma, President of the West Bengal state’s India-Vietnam Solidarity Committee (IVSC), in recognition of his contributions to relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Ton Sinh Thanh (L) presents the order to Geetesh Sharma (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Ambassador Ton Sinh Thanh lauded Sharma’s efforts in fostering friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. He expressed his hope that Sharma and the IVSC will continue to consolidate bilateral ties. The diplomat also encouraged Indian nationals to take part in a contest on Vietnam and its President Ho Chi Minh on the occasion of the late leader’s 125th birthday (May 19, 1890-2015).

On the same day, Vietnam’s top tourism destinations and preferential policies were described to Indian representatives at a gala held by the Vietnamese Embassy Kolkata city, in the West Bengal state. Themed “Vietnam – an amazing destination for Indian tourists”, the event drew nearly 200 guests from the local government and 80 travel and media agencies. Head of the West Bengal Tourism Department Umapanda Mukherjee said he hopes the Vietnamese Embassy will serve as a bridge to connect local travel agencies with Vietnam as well as facilitating the operations of Indian enterprises and travel companies within Vietnam.