Patil arrives in Cambodia to boost ties

PHNOM PENH - Indian President Pratibha Patil arrived in Cambodia Monday as part of her two-nation visit to Laos and Cambodia, seeking to enhance ties with ASEAN countries and reaffirming India’s ‘Look East’ policy.

Concluding her tour to Laos Monday, Patil reached the Phnom Penh International Airport where she was welcomed by Kong Sam Ol, deputy prime minister and minister of the Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Patil said at the start of her trip to both nations that the visit will enhance India’s partnership with the members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“I will assure (Cambodia and Laos) that they can count on India as a willing development partner,” she was quoted as saying by DPA.

Patil said India wanted to boost trade and investment, which she described as growing but “much below potential”.

During her Cambodia visit, Patil will meet Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and preside over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation between the National Auditing Authority of Cambodia and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Xinhua reported citing official statement.

The two leaders will also sign an agreement for Stung Tasal Water Resource Development Project (Phase 2) between Cambodian government and the Export-Import Bank of India.

Besides attending a ceremony for Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Asian Traditional Textiles Museum, Patil is expected to discuss with officials here topics including anti-terrorism cooperation, foreign investment and infrastructure development projects.

She will encourage the delegation of 40 businessmen accompanying her to take advantage of “mutually advantageous opportunities”.

Patil is also slated to visit the popular Angkor Wat temples.