Vientiane/New Delhi, July 25 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who is in Laos for ASEAN-related meetings on Thursday met with the foreign ministers of Timor Leste, the Philippines, Cambodia and Norway on the sidelines.
The EAM in posts on X spoke about the different meetings:
On his meeting with his counterpart from Timor Leste, he said:
“Pleasure to meet FM Bendito Freitas of Timor Leste on the sidelines of #ASEAN meetings.
“Our Delhi to Dili friendship continues to diversify and deepen. Also exchanged views on our shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.”
On the meeting with his Philippines counterpart Enrique A. Manalo, he posted:
“Delighted to meet my friend @SecManalo of Philippines today in Vientiane.
“Discussed the strengthening collaboration between our two democracies and partnership in the Indo-Pacific, especially in upholding the rule of law and ASEAN centrality.”
He met the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Cambodia, Sok Chenda Sophea.
“Glad to meet DPM & FM Sok Chenda Sophea of Cambodia.
“Noted the progress in our bilateral ties, including air connectivity, defence and heritage conservation. Looking forward to further building on it.”
On his meeting with his Norwegian counterpart, he posted:
“Good to meet Foreign Minister @EspenBarthEide of Norway today.
“The India – Nordic partnership in clean energy and trade continues to deliver. Committed to implementing EFTA to the better advantage of both countries. Also spoke about the geopolitical situation.”
EAM is on a visit to Vientiane from July 25-27 at the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Lao PDR Saleumxay Kommasith, to participate in the meeting of Foreign Ministers under the ASEAN framework in the format of ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
The visit underlines India’s deep engagement with and the importance India attaches to the ASEAN-centred regional architecture, our strong commitment to ASEAN unity, ASEAN centrality, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and taking forward the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a statement said.
This year also marks a decade of India’s Act East Policy which was announced by Prime Minister Modi at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014.
