In India on Saturday (25 February), the Vietnamese Prime Minister, Mr Pham Van Dong, announced that his country would be getting over 100 million dollars worth of economic aid from the Indian government. The aid is to help Vietnam's postwar reconstruction.

SYNOPSIS: The Vietnamese Prime Minister had arrived in India the day before on a seven day visit. At New Delhi airport he was greeted as he left his aircraft by the Prime Minister of India, Mr Morarji Desai. The two leaders were later to have talks on a number of issues, including the current border conflict between Vietnam and Cambodia.

But the topic which occupied most of their time was the Indian aid programme to Vietnam. Under the programme Mr Dong was promised a 300,000 tonne wheat loan worth about 56 million dollars, and a 50 million dollar credit to buy goods and services.

Mr Dong announced details the following day. Speaking through an interpreter he also discussed Vietnam's peace proposals concerning the dispute wish.

On the aid question, Mr Dong said Vietnam was grateful for the wheat loan which would help ease food shortages.