Patil accorded ceremonial welcome, meets her Lao counterpart in Vientiane

VIENTIANE - Visiting Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Lao National Assembly and then had one-to-one meeting with her Lao counterpart Choummaly Sayasone this morning here.

To strengthen business ties as well as relations in education and cultural sectors, a few agreements are likely to be signed between India and Laos. Delegation-level talks will also take place between the two countries.

Meanwhile, an electricity sector project of 115KV double line circuit, which has been constructed with the help of a loan from India is also being jointly inaugurated by both leaders here today.

A rural electrification and hydro power project with Indian involvement is also in the pipeline.

In evening, Lao Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh will meet President Patil followed by a state banquet hosted by the President of Lao.

President Patil arrived in Laotian capital Vientiane on Thursday afternoon for a five-day state visit from September 9 to 13.

She was received by Khempheng Pholsena, the Minister attached to Laotian Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh on her arrival at Wattay International Airport.

President Patil will also visit the National Museum at Luang Prabang and meet with the Governor of Luang Prabang in Phouvao. She will also witness the traditional Baci Ceremony and attend a dinner hosted by Governor Bouheuang Douangphachanh on Saturday.

She will also visit the Xiengthong Temple and enjoy a cruise on the Mekong River on Sunday.

On Monday, she will meet with Thongsing Thammavong, the president of the National Assembly of Laos in Vientiene.

She will also address a Joint India-Lao business meeting before departing for Cambodian capital Phnom Penh after a ceremonial farewell. By Praful Kumar Singh(ANI)