In a bid to boost strategic acting East Policy of New Delhi, India’s Vice President Hamid Ansari is headed to Cambodia and Laos for a trip aimed at reinforcing strategic ties.
During his four-day trip, the diplomat turned Vice President will seek to signal India’s continued commitment to high level exchanges with these countries. The trip also helps balance China’s attempts to carve an anti India axis in the region and Slowly but steadily India is expanding its circle of friends.
His official visit to Cambodia will start from September 15-17 at the invitation of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Meanwhile, he will also pay an official visit to Lao PDR from September 17-18
It would be Ansari’s first visit to Cambodia and the first ever visit at the level of Vice President to Lao PDR.
Apart from Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh, Ansari and the delegation will also travel to Siem Reap where the world famous temples of Angkor Wat are located.
In Phnom Penh, Ansari will hold official talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and will also meet the President of Cambodian National Assembly Heng Samarin, and President of Cambodian National Senate Say Chhum on September 16. He will also give an address on India-Cambodia relations at the Office of the Council of Ministers.
India and Cambodia enjoy a long standing shared historical affinity and close cultural ties. Cambodia is an important partner of India among the ASEAN countries.
The Vice President’s visit to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap will provide an opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen bilateral relations including commercial and investment ties. It will also strengthen our pursuit of a closer and enduring partnership with the countries of ASEAN region as part of our Act East policy.
Ansari will pay an official visit to Lao PDR at the invitation of HE Bounnhang Vorachith, Vice President of Lao PDR. Ansari will be accompanied by Minister of State for Water Resources, Sanwar Lal Jat, four Members of Parliament, senior officials and media.