President embarks on a two-nation visit tomorrow

New Delhi, Sep 8 (PTI) Aiming at further strengthening
ties with ASEAN countries, Indian President Pratibha Patil
will embark on a two-nation 10-day state visit to Laos and
Cambodia on Thursday during which some important agreements
are expected to be signed, including those in the field of
culture.
India has "warm and cordial relations" with Laos and
Cambodia, two important countries in the ASEAN region, who are
supportive of India's bid for permanent membership of the UN
Security Council, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External
Affairs, Vijaya Latha Reddy told reporters.
Patil will be accompanied by Minister for Tribal Affairs
Kantilal Bhuria and a high-level business and official
delegation on the tour.
The President's visit to Cambodia is of great
significance given the upcoming ASEAN-related meetings in 2011
and 2012 to be held there, including the ASEAN business
meeting in next April, she said, adding Cambodia is also the
country coordinator for India-ASEAN engagements.
Reddy said some important agreements and announcements
related to cultural exchange and accounts and audits were
expected to be inked during the state visit but declined to
share details.
Patil's visit will start from Laos where she will be
staying till September 13. It would be Patil's first visit to
Laos and only the second by an Indian President since the two
countries established diplomatic relations.
Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had visited Laos in 1954
to give a boost to long-standing cultural ties between the two
countries.
Apart from the country's capital Vientiane where she will
meet President Choummaly Sayasone, Patil will also travel to
Luang Prabang.
Patil will have discussions with President Sayasone,
Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh and President of the
country's National Assembly.
Patil will travel to Cambodia (September 13–18) at the
invitation of Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia.
During her visit, other than the capital Phnom Penh,
Patil would be travelling with the delegation to Siem Reap
where the world famous temples of Angkor Vat are located.
"Cambodia is an important partner of India among the
ASEAN countries. Patil's visit to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
will provide an opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen
multi-faceted bilateral ties including commercial and
investment relations," the ministry officials said.
Patil's visit to these two countries is aimed at
reaffirming India's pursuit of a closer and enduring
partnership with countries of ASEAN region as part of its
Look-East policy. PTI