President Patil arrives in Cambodia after ending successful visit to Lao

PHNOM PENH - President Pratibha Devisingh Patil arrived today on a six-day state visit to Cambodia from September 13 to 18 with the objective of strengthening enduring partnerships with countries of the ASEAN region as part of India’s Look-East policy.

President Patil was given a traditional welcome and received at Phnom Penh International Airport by Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Royal Palace Samdech Chaufea Veang Kong Sam Oi.

President Patil is visiting Cambodia at the invitation of the King of Cambodia, Norodom Sihamoni.

A delegation of senior officials and Minister of Tribal Affairs Kantilal Bhuria is accompanying President Patil on her visit.

India has “warm and cordial relations” with Cambodia, one of the important countries in the ASEAN region, which has supported New Delhi’s bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Apart from visiting Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, President Patil would be travelling with the delegation to Siem Reap where the world famous temples of Angkor Vat are located.

India and Cambodia enjoy a long standing and shared historical affinity and close cultural ties. Cambodia is an important partner of India among the ASEAN countries.

President Patil’s visit to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap will provide an opportunity for reaffirming and strengthening multifaceted bilateral ties, including commercial and investment relations.

Cambodia is also currently the coordinator on the ASEAN side for India-ASEAN relations.

Earlier during her Lao visit, President Patil said relations with Lao and Cambodia are of strategic importance to India.

“I believe India, Laos and Cambodia have much to gain by cooperating with each other in combating extremism and terrorism. I would like to add that both Laos and Cambodia have given us unconditional support for our candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council,” she told mediapersons onboard Air India One while enroute to Laotian capital Vientiene.

“Our relationship with Laos and Cambodia are of strategic importance as well. I look forward to an exchange of views with Laos and Cambodia on how we can promote greater stability and security in the region,” she said.

“My visit to Laos and Cambodia - two important countries in South East Asia, will reaffirm our pursuit of a closer and enduring partnership with the countries of the ASEAN region, as part of our Look East policy,” President Patil said. By Praful Kumar Singh (ANI)