Modi assured King Sihamoni of India’s resolve to strengthen the bilateral partnership with Cambodia across diverse areas, including capacity building….reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where both the dignitaries discussed issues of bilateral interests.
Sihamoni is on his maiden state visit to India from May 29-31. The Prime Minister and King Sihamoni underscored the deep civilisational ties, an the strong cultural and people-to-people connect between the two countries.
Modi assured King Sihamoni of India’s resolve to strengthen the bilateral partnership with Cambodia across diverse areas, including capacity building.
King Sihamoni also thanked Prime Minister Modi for India’s ongoing initiatives in development cooperation, and conveyed his appreciation and best wishes for India’s G-20 Presidency.
Upon arrival, the King was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. President Droupadi Murmu will host a State Banquet in honour of Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni in the evening.
Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu met King Sihamoni and discussed ways to enhance development cooperation and people-to-people ties.
Taking to Twitter, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn held productive talks with H.M. King Norodom Sihamon.” “Agenda covered furthering the cultural & civilisational connect between India & Cambodia. Also discussed ways to enhance development cooperation and people to people ties,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Cambodian King met Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Both leaders discussed multiple areas of bilateral relations including capacity building, conservation of architectural monuments, defence cooperation including de-mining and parliamentary cooperation.
The Cambodian king also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
The Cambodian King was greeted by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi at a ceremonial welcome in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Cambodian King also visited Raj Ghat to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.
Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni’s visit to India marks the culmination of the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
“The State visit marks the culmination of the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia, which were established in 1952. This visit by the King of Cambodia is taking place after almost six decades, with the last being that of the current King’s father in 1963,” the MEA said in the press release.
India and Cambodia enjoy “warm and friendly nations” marked by “civilisational, cultural and economic linkages and deep-rooted people-to-people ties,” according to MEA press release. The ties between the two nations are based on shared cultural values, commitment to foster economic growth, collaboration in the fields of defence & security and convergence on regional and global issues, according to an MEA press release.