Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai met with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and promised to start a direct flight service between Ho Chi Minh City and Kochi.
The meeting in which the decision was taken took place at Vijayan’s official residence – Cliff House – on Tuesday, a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said. Vijayan, in a tweet, said the direct flight service would enhance ties between Kerala and Vietnam and also boost the state’s tourism and development, “Had a fruitful interaction with the Ambassador of Vietnam to India @AmbNguyen_T_Hai.
He promised to open direct flight services between Ho Chi Minh City and Kochi. This will enhance ties between Kerala and Vietnam, boosting the State’s tourism and development,” the CM tweeted after the meeting. The move would strengthen various sectors like tourism, finance, trade etc in Kerala, the CMO statement said.
The Vietnamese Ambassador, in the meeting, opined that starting a direct flight service from Kerala to Vietnam would be beneficial for both the regions in various fields. The CM, in the meeting, also stated that Kerala was interested in developing close relations with Vietnam in various fields and that it has already established ties with some provinces of South Vietnam. He also expressed his happiness over the visit of Ben Tre provincial leaders to Kerala, it added.
Tourist operators in the state during the meeting expressed their views on the tour programmes that can be offered between Vietnam and particularly to those cities that have traditional links with Tamil Nadu. They also put forth the idea of simplification of visa procedures for tourists from Tamil Nadu, air connectivity and medical tourism among others.
CM Vijayan also held a meeting with the Indian Ambassador to Oman, Amit Narang to strengthen ties between Kerala and Oman. “Had a productive meeting with the Indian Ambassador to Oman, Amit Narang. Discussed ways to strengthen ties between Kerala and Oman, and explore opportunities for collaboration in trade, tourism, and investment. Thank you @Amit_Narang, for your valuable insights and support,” the Kerala CM stated in a tweet.
