Vientiana: The Indian External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, engaged in discussions with counterparts from Norway and Cambodia during the ASEAN meetings in Laos.
During the proceedings, Jaishankar engaged in dialogue with the Norwegian Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, regarding the geopolitical landscape. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) for mutual benefit and development.
In a subsequent post on X, Jaishankar conveyed, "It was a pleasure to meet with the Norwegian Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, today. Our partnership in clean energy and trade continues to yield positive results. We are committed to realizing the potential of EFTA for the advancement of both our nations. Additionally, we discussed the geopolitical situation."
Jaishankar also had the opportunity to meet with Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sok Chenda Sophea, during the meetings. He acknowledged the progress made in the bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly in areas such as air connectivity, defense, and heritage conservation.
On X, Jaishankar shared, "It was a pleasure to meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea of Cambodia. We noted the progress in our bilateral relations, including advancements in air connectivity, defense cooperation, and heritage conservation. We look forward to further enhancing these areas of collaboration."
Upon his arrival in Vientiane, Laos, Jaishankar conducted a meeting with the Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Enrique Manalo, on Thursday. The discussion focused on strengthening the collaboration between the two nations and deepening the partnership in the Indo-Pacific region, with an emphasis on upholding the rule of law and the centrality of ASEAN.
In a post on X, Jaishankar expressed, "It was a pleasure to meet my friend, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo of the Philippines, today in Vientiane. We discussed the strengthening of our collaboration as democracies and the deepening of our partnership in the Indo-Pacific, especially in the areas of rule of law and the centrality of ASEAN."
Jaishankar also participated in a meeting with the counterpart from Timor Leste, Bendito Freitas, during the ASEAN meetings. The dialogue centered on shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.
In a post on X, Jaishankar shared, "It was a pleasure to meet FM Bendito Freitas of Timor Leste during the ASEAN meetings. Our friendship between Delhi and Dili continues to evolve and deepen. We also exchanged views on our shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region."
Jaishankar's visit to Vientiana is scheduled to last from July 25 to 27, during which he will participate in the Foreign Ministers' Meetings under the ASEAN framework. This visit is part of his engagement with the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings.
In a press release issued earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced Jaishankar's visit to Vientiana, highlighting his participation in the Foreign Ministers' Meetings as part of the ASEAN framework. This visit is seen as a significant opportunity to further strengthen India's relations with Southeast Asian nations, marking a milestone in the decade-long journey of the Act East Policy.
Eminent External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar, embarked on a visit to Laos, graciously hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos, Saleumxay Kommasith. This visit serves as a testament to India's profound engagement with and the significance it places on the ASEAN-centric regional architecture. It underscores India's unwavering commitment to ASEAN unity, centrality, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), and the progression of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as detailed in a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs.
This visit holds particular importance as it coincides with the tenth anniversary of India's Act East Policy, which was introduced by the Prime Minister at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014, as mentioned by the Ministry of External Affairs.
ASEAN stands as a political and economic alliance comprising ten countries in Southeast Asia. As ASEAN continues to strengthen its position, India remains a cherished partner within the economic framework of the union.
