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18095
Fri, 09/05/2008 - 10:29
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https://oananews.org//node/18095
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Laos, India satisfied with bilateral relations
Laos, India satisfied with bilateral relations
(KPL) Lao and Indian leaders have expressed complete satisfaction with the state of the bilateral relations, and the mutually beneficial cooperation and partnership that have been developing rapidly between the two countries.
According to a joint statement of Laos and India issued on the occasion of the state visit of President Choummaly Sayasone to India from 26 to 30 August.
The visit was made in response to the invitation of his Indian counterpart President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil.
The two sides have discussed at an atmosphere of traditional friendship, warmth and close understanding, which cover a wide range of subjects of bilateral interest including economy, trade and investment, defence, information and communication technology, space, transportation, air services, health, mining, hydropower, lines of credit, archaeological restoration, railways, culture, arts and sports.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
They have signed a number of memorandums of understanding and agreements on line of credit of US$33 million for Paksong-Jiangxay 115 KV, double circuit transmission line project, Nam Song 7.5 MW hydropower project; and equipment for rural electrification.
Laos signed the Letter of Intent for Duty Free Tariff Preference Scheme for least developed countries with India.
India has agreed to assist in the construction of a Buddhist college in Champassak province and visit of a team of archaeological survey of India to Laos to commence the restoration of Vat Phou temple for which the two countries have already signed an enabling MoU.
They noted that the 6th session of the joint Ministerial Commission of India and Laos held in Vientiane in 2006 agreed that the 7th meeting of the Commission will be held in New Delhi in early 2009. They noted that the Joint Commission has proved to be an effective mechanism in monitoring the activities of cooperation between the two countries in diverse areas and in giving concrete direction to such cooperation in future.
The two leaders highlighted the importance of high-level bilateral visits, including at the levels of heads of state and government. They also decided to promote other high-level ministerial visits. They reiterated their resolve to continue their bilateral dialogue and cooperation within the regional framework and at various international forums.
The two sides also considered parliamentary exchanges to be an important instrument to bilateral understanding at the level of parliamentarians. The Lao delegation expressed keenness to study the Indian parliamentary practices and system to benefit the developing parliamentary system in Laos.
The two countries recalled the historical relationship between the two peoples on the basis of Buddhism and Hinduism dating back to more than two millennia. They resolved to further promote this historical relationship through all means including culture, youth exchange and sports.
The two sides noted that the bilateral trade volume was small and resolved to take all possible measures to enhance the trade to match the actual potential.
The Indian side noted that the Lao economy has grown rapidly over the past several years in the wake of the economic reform programme undertaken by the Government of Laos. They also noted the success achieved by the national growth and poverty eradication strategy adopted in 2001 for a period of 20 years and the 10-year socio-economic development strategy for the period 2001-10, which has resulted in near 8% GDP growth rate leading to social stability at all levels in Laos.
The two sides agreed that there is considerable potential for Indian companies to enter the Lao economy though investments. The Lao side agreed that hydro-power, mining, agriculture, construction, road and railway network, transportation, information technology and e-governance, steel making, small and medium enterprises offer considerable opportunities to Indian investors and agreed to make every effort to encourage Indian investors to enter into these areas of economic activity. In this connection, they welcomed the initiative of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to organise the first ever exclusive Indian Exhibition in Vientiane in November 2008 to showcase Indian technological capabilities and industries.
The Indian side noted with interest the initiatives taken by the Lao PDR in developing transportation infrastructure to promote regional connectivity through roads and railway networks. The Indian side also noted the success of the Lao PDR in transforming itself from a land-locked to a land-linked country and conveyed Indian interest in extending suitable support in building road and railway network in the Lao PDR.
The Indian side recalled with appreciation the helpful role played by the Lao PDR as Country Coordinator for India in the ASEAN from 2004 to 2006 during which period, India joined the East Asia Summit after signing the Treaty on Amity and Cooperation. The cooperation existing between India and the Lao PDR under the Ganga-Mekong Cooperation, was also appreciated by both sides.
The Lao delegation also welcomed the initiative taken by India to hold the first Suryakiran Air Show in the Lao PDR on 15 November, 2008. The two sides expressed confidence that this will further promote friendship and defence ties between the two countries. The Indian side conveyed its readiness to establish the Air Force Academy in the Lao PDR.
The Lao side thanked the Indian side for the project. Both sides agreed that the project will strengthen the capability of the Lao air force. The Indian side also announced its readiness to offer 50 parachutes to the Lao air force for the 60th anniversary of the Lao defence force in 2009.
The two sides noted the emerging importance of space technology and remote sensing for mapping of resources and an effective instrument in agriculture, water resources etc,. and decided to promote the bilateral cooperation in this area through their respective agencies.
The Lao delegation expressed appreciation for the offer of the line of credit of $33 million from the Government of India for developing three power-related projects viz. –Paksong-Jiangxay 115KV, double circuit transmission line project, Nam Song 7.5 MW hydropower project, and equipment for rural electrification Phase-2 Project. They hoped that the project implementation could start at an early date.
The Indian side conveyed its readiness to undertake the construction of neurological hospital in the Lao PDR. The Lao side conveyed their happiness on progress in the project and expressed confidence that the hospital would contribute to Medicare in the Lao PDR, particularly for trauma patients.
The two sides also expressed satisfaction at the meeting of the officials of the two Governments to implement the Bilateral Agreement on Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances and Related Matters, which was signed in 2002.
They agreed that drug transit and control are important issues which must be handled by joint efforts of the two countries. The Indian side also expressed its readiness to work with the Lao PDR in the rehabilitation process of drug addicts and opium growers.
The Lao side expressed its appreciation and gratitude for assistance received from India in IT sector and entrepreneurship development. The Indian side conveyed its readiness to continue its cooperation with the Lao side in the area of information technology though training for Lao personnel in IT sector as well as entrepreneurship development programme which would train trainers and develop a scheme for accreditation of training programs in the Lao PDR.
The Lao side conveyed its appreciation to India for the scholarships provided by the latter for short-term and long-term training of Lao personnel in various professional areas in India and requested the Indian side to increase the number of these scholarships. The Indian side agreed to increase the number from 60 at present to 80.
The Lao side also thanked the Indian side for the scholarships provided to Lao nationals for bachelors, masters and doctoral programs in India and requested for the increase in the number of scholarships. The Indian side agreed to increase the number from 14 at present to 20.
The two sides stressed that terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
Laos supported various Indian candidature international organisations, a permanent seat in the expanded Security Council as well as India’s programme of development and use of civilian nuclear power. And India pledged to assist Laos in accession to the WTO, through capacity building.
President Choummaly invited the President of India and the Prime Minister to pay an official visit to Laos that they accepted the invitation.
(KPL) Lao and Indian leaders have expressed complete satisfaction with the state of the bilateral relations, and the mutually beneficial cooperation and partnership that have been developing rapidly between the two countries.
According to a joint statement of Laos and India issued on the occasion of the state visit of President Choummaly Sayasone to India from 26 to 30 August.
The visit was made in response to the invitation of his Indian counterpart President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil.
The two sides have discussed at an atmosphere of traditional friendship, warmth and close understanding, which cover a wide range of subjects of bilateral interest including economy, trade and investment, defence, information and communication technology, space, transportation, air services, health, mining, hydropower, lines of credit, archaeological restoration, railways, culture, arts and sports.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
They have signed a number of memorandums of understanding and agreements on line of credit of US$33 million for Paksong-Jiangxay 115 KV, double circuit transmission line project, Nam Song 7.5 MW hydropower project; and equipment for rural electrification.
Laos signed the Letter of Intent for Duty Free Tariff Preference Scheme for least developed countries with India.
India has agreed to assist in the construction of a Buddhist college in Champassak province and visit of a team of archaeological survey of India to Laos to commence the restoration of Vat Phou temple for which the two countries have already signed an enabling MoU.
They noted that the 6th session of the joint Ministerial Commission of India and Laos held in Vientiane in 2006 agreed that the 7th meeting of the Commission will be held in New Delhi in early 2009. They noted that the Joint Commission has proved to be an effective mechanism in monitoring the activities of cooperation between the two countries in diverse areas and in giving concrete direction to such cooperation in future.
The two leaders highlighted the importance of high-level bilateral visits, including at the levels of heads of state and government. They also decided to promote other high-level ministerial visits. They reiterated their resolve to continue their bilateral dialogue and cooperation within the regional framework and at various international forums.
The two sides also considered parliamentary exchanges to be an important instrument to bilateral understanding at the level of parliamentarians. The Lao delegation expressed keenness to study the Indian parliamentary practices and system to benefit the developing parliamentary system in Laos.
The two countries recalled the historical relationship between the two peoples on the basis of Buddhism and Hinduism dating back to more than two millennia. They resolved to further promote this historical relationship through all means including culture, youth exchange and sports.
The two sides noted that the bilateral trade volume was small and resolved to take all possible measures to enhance the trade to match the actual potential.
The Indian side noted that the Lao economy has grown rapidly over the past several years in the wake of the economic reform programme undertaken by the Government of Laos. They also noted the success achieved by the national growth and poverty eradication strategy adopted in 2001 for a period of 20 years and the 10-year socio-economic development strategy for the period 2001-10, which has resulted in near 8% GDP growth rate leading to social stability at all levels in Laos.
The two sides agreed that there is considerable potential for Indian companies to enter the Lao economy though investments. The Lao side agreed that hydro-power, mining, agriculture, construction, road and railway network, transportation, information technology and e-governance, steel making, small and medium enterprises offer considerable opportunities to Indian investors and agreed to make every effort to encourage Indian investors to enter into these areas of economic activity. In this connection, they welcomed the initiative of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to organise the first ever exclusive Indian Exhibition in Vientiane in November 2008 to showcase Indian technological capabilities and industries.
The Indian side noted with interest the initiatives taken by the Lao PDR in developing transportation infrastructure to promote regional connectivity through roads and railway networks. The Indian side also noted the success of the Lao PDR in transforming itself from a land-locked to a land-linked country and conveyed Indian interest in extending suitable support in building road and railway network in the Lao PDR.
The Indian side recalled with appreciation the helpful role played by the Lao PDR as Country Coordinator for India in the ASEAN from 2004 to 2006 during which period, India joined the East Asia Summit after signing the Treaty on Amity and Cooperation. The cooperation existing between India and the Lao PDR under the Ganga-Mekong Cooperation, was also appreciated by both sides.
The Lao delegation also welcomed the initiative taken by India to hold the first Suryakiran Air Show in the Lao PDR on 15 November, 2008. The two sides expressed confidence that this will further promote friendship and defence ties between the two countries. The Indian side conveyed its readiness to establish the Air Force Academy in the Lao PDR.
The Lao side thanked the Indian side for the project. Both sides agreed that the project will strengthen the capability of the Lao air force. The Indian side also announced its readiness to offer 50 parachutes to the Lao air force for the 60th anniversary of the Lao defence force in 2009.
The two sides noted the emerging importance of space technology and remote sensing for mapping of resources and an effective instrument in agriculture, water resources etc,. and decided to promote the bilateral cooperation in this area through their respective agencies.
The Lao delegation expressed appreciation for the offer of the line of credit of $33 million from the Government of India for developing three power-related projects viz. –Paksong-Jiangxay 115KV, double circuit transmission line project, Nam Song 7.5 MW hydropower project, and equipment for rural electrification Phase-2 Project. They hoped that the project implementation could start at an early date.
The Indian side conveyed its readiness to undertake the construction of neurological hospital in the Lao PDR. The Lao side conveyed their happiness on progress in the project and expressed confidence that the hospital would contribute to Medicare in the Lao PDR, particularly for trauma patients.
The two sides also expressed satisfaction at the meeting of the officials of the two Governments to implement the Bilateral Agreement on Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances and Related Matters, which was signed in 2002.
They agreed that drug transit and control are important issues which must be handled by joint efforts of the two countries. The Indian side also expressed its readiness to work with the Lao PDR in the rehabilitation process of drug addicts and opium growers.
The Lao side expressed its appreciation and gratitude for assistance received from India in IT sector and entrepreneurship development. The Indian side conveyed its readiness to continue its cooperation with the Lao side in the area of information technology though training for Lao personnel in IT sector as well as entrepreneurship development programme which would train trainers and develop a scheme for accreditation of training programs in the Lao PDR.
The Lao side conveyed its appreciation to India for the scholarships provided by the latter for short-term and long-term training of Lao personnel in various professional areas in India and requested the Indian side to increase the number of these scholarships. The Indian side agreed to increase the number from 60 at present to 80.
The Lao side also thanked the Indian side for the scholarships provided to Lao nationals for bachelors, masters and doctoral programs in India and requested for the increase in the number of scholarships. The Indian side agreed to increase the number from 14 at present to 20.
The two sides stressed that terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
Laos supported various Indian candidature international organisations, a permanent seat in the expanded Security Council as well as India’s programme of development and use of civilian nuclear power. And India pledged to assist Laos in accession to the WTO, through capacity building.
President Choummaly invited the President of India and the Prime Minister to pay an official visit to Laos that they accepted the invitation.
