Tag: CAMBODIA

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UAE, Cambodia CEPA set to double non-oil trade

The agreement seeks to eliminate or reduce customs duties, remove unnecessary trade barriers, facilitate investments, open market access to services exports, and create more opportunities…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE and the Kingdom of Cambodia have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that is expected to more than double non-oil bilateral trade from US$407 million in 2022 to US$1 billion within five years.

Witnessed by Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen, the agreement was signed in Phnom Penh by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Pan Sorasak, Cambodia Minister of Commerce.

The agreement seeks to eliminate or reduce customs duties, remove unnecessary trade barriers, facilitate investments, open market access to services exports, and create more opportunities for businesses to forge new partnerships. The signing of this agreement lays the foundations for a deeper and more meaningful partnership that will drive growth and help the global economic recovery.

It builds on the strong bilateral trade ties between the UAE and Cambodia, which reached a record US$407 million in 2022, marking a 33 percent increase from 2021 and a 28 percent surge compared to 2019. The UAE is also a top trading partner for Cambodia in the Arab world, accounting for 70 percent of its trade with the region in 2022.

The agreement holds significant potential for mutual investments, providing opportunities for the business communities to enter into investment partnerships. Currently, the UAE invests over US$3 million in Cambodia, compared to US$1 million in direct foreign investment from Cambodia. However, a wide range of opportunities for investment in tourism, logistics, infrastructure and renewable energy are anticipated with the agreement’s implementation.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi said, “The UAE-Cambodia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is a new milestone in our foreign trade agenda that strengthens our growing role in the east-west trade corridor. It will not only contribute to our goal of doubling non-oil foreign trade by 2031 but also expand our presence in the rapidly growing economies of South-East Asia, opening new doors for exporters to reach millions of consumers. Cambodia will also benefit from our global connectivity and ability to re-export goods to more than 400 cities around the world. We will continue to expand global trade to foster long-term, sustainable growth and economic diversification with all whom we do business with.”

The CEPA guarantees improved access for UAE products to the Cambodian market, covering 92 percent of customs tariff lines and over 93 percent of the value of non-oil trade. Furthermore, the agreement also opens up various service sectors in the Cambodian market for UAE businesses.

The agreement sets the stage for a new chapter in trade and investment cooperation between the UAE and Cambodia, fostering joint growth for their respective business communities. With the talks concluded swiftly, it underscores the global confidence in the UAE as a reliable trade and investment partner for countries seeking sustainable economic expansion.

Now the deal has been signed, both countries will complete the necessary requirements and internal legal procedures for ratification. The agreement is expected to enter into force before the end of the fourth quarter of this year.

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Modi meets Cambodian King, vows to boost ties

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.

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Cambodian King lands in India on maiden state visit

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni will be in India on a three-day visit….reports Asian Lite News

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on Monday arrived in New Delhi on his maiden state visit to India.

He was welcomed by Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh on his arrival at the airport.

“An opportunity to further deepen the civilisational relations between India and Cambodia,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

King Sihamoni will be in India on a three-day visit.

“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,” a statement issued by the ministry said.

This visit by the King of Cambodia is taking place after almost six decades, with the last being that of the current monarch’s father in 1963.

King Sihamoni will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday and President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in his honour later that evening.

The King will also have bilateral meetings with President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

He will pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Raj Ghat.

“India and Cambodia enjoy warm and friendly relations marked by civilisational, cultural and economic linkages and deep-rooted people-to-people ties. The multifaceted relationship is based on shared cultural values, commitment to foster economic growth, collaboration in the fields of defence and security and convergence on regional and global issues,” the Ministry statement added.

India has extended a grant of $1.5 million for purchase of demining equipment and has offered a line of credit worth $50 million line of credit for procurement of defence equipment from India.

Customised training courses are conducted for Cambodian army personnel in India and mobile training teams from Indian Army have been deployed to the Southeast Asian nation for training Cambodian personnel.

Trade between the two countries for 2022-23 stood at $366 million and is growing. Indian investments in Cambodia are estimated around $115 million primarily in pharmaceuticals, automobiles and mining.

In addition to this, India is also actively assisting Cambodia in capacity building and human resource development through training slots under the ITEC and scholarships under ICCR.

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Cambodian King arriving on maiden India visit next week

Cambodia King Norodom Sihamoni. (File Photo: IANS)

The King will have bilateral meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi…reports Asian Lite News

As the countries mark the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, King of Cambodia Norodom Sihamoni will be visiting India on his maiden State visit from May 29-31, 2023. 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, King Norodom Sihanouk, in 1963.

The King will have bilateral meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday (May 26, 2023). Additionally, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will call on the King.

The Cambodian King will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 30, 2023 and President Murmu will host a State Banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary the same evening. The King will also pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat during his stay in New Delhi.

​India and Cambodia, who established diplomatic relations in 1952, enjoy warm and friendly relations marked by civilisational, cultural and economic linkages and deep-rooted people-to-people ties.

The multifaceted relationship is based on shared cultural values, commitment to foster economic growth, collaboration in the fields of defence & security and convergence on regional and global issues.

​India actively assists Cambodia in capacity building & human resource development through training slots under the ITEC and scholarships under ICCR.

India has also extended grants and concessional loans for developmental projects.

Conservation and restoration of the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Preah Vihar are being carried out under Indian government funding.

India has extended a grant of USD 1.5 million for purchase of demining equipment and has offered a line of credit worth USD 50 million Line of Credit for procurement of defence equipment from India.

Customised training courses are conducted for Cambodian Army personnel in India and Mobile Training Teams from Indian Army have been deployed to Cambodia for training Cambodian Army personnel.

Trade between the two countries for FY 2023-23 stood at USD 366 million and is growing. Indian investments in Cambodia are estimated around USD 115 million primarily in pharmaceuticals, automobiles and mining.

“The forthcoming visit of His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, the King of Cambodia, will further strengthen and deepen the civilisational relations between India and Cambodia,” the MEA pointed out.

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India News

MEA Secy meets top officials of Cambodia, Vietnam

Both countries, India and Cambodia agreed to strengthen cooperation in development projects, and cultural cooperation..reports Asian Lite News

Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East), Saurabh Kumar on Saturday met top officials of Cambodia and Vietnam on the last day of the 6th Indian Ocean Conference in Dhaka.

He also met Secretary Generals of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), and of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). Both countries, India and Cambodia agreed to strengthen cooperation in development projects, and cultural cooperation including the restoration of temples, in Kumar’s meeting with Dr Soeung Rathchavy, Secretary of State, MoFA Cambodia.

MEA Official Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi tweeted, “Secy (East) @AmbSaurabhKumar met Secy of State, MoFA Cambodia, Dr. Soeung Rathchavy. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in development projects, cultural cooperation including restoration of temples, demining & defense exchanges.”

In his meeting with Deputy Minister of Vietnam, Do Hung Viet, both countries expressed satisfaction at the progress in India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“Secy (East) @AmbSaurabhKumar held meeting with Deputy Minister @MOFAVietNam Do Hung Viet. They expressed satisfaction at the progress in – Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Also discussed cooperation in areas of trade, investment, defense, energy,” Bagchi added.

MEA Secretary (East) also met Secretary General of BIMSTEC, Tenzin Lekphell and congratulated him for successfully holding BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in March 2023.

His tweet also read, “In his meeting with Secy General @BimstecInDhaka Tenzin Lekphell, Secy (East) @AmbSaurabhKumar congratulated SG for the successful holding of the BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in March 2023. Expressed ‘s strong support for BIMSTEC & discussed BIMSTEC Summit and other meetings.”

In his meeting with Esala Ruwan the outgoing Secretary General of SAARC, Kumar expressed his gratitude for his leadership and his contributions to the organisation.

“Secy (East) @AmbSaurabhKumar also met outgoing Secy General @SaarcSec Esala Ruwan Weerakoon. Secy (East) thanked SG for the latter’s leadership of the Secretariat and his contributions to the organization,” the tweet thread said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also participated in the 6th Indian Ocean Conference. (ANI)

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-Top News ASEAN News Asia News

Cambodia, Malaysia agree to bolster ties

Cambodian Prime Minister and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim(https://twitter.com/anwaribrahim)

Cambodia, Malaysia vow to further advance ties, cooperation…reports Asian Lite News

Cambodia and Malaysia on Monday vowed to further promote their bilateral relations and cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, energy, agriculture, education, and labour among others for mutual benefits.

The commitment was made during a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his visiting Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, reports Xinhua news agency.

“We discussed cooperation in various areas, highly valued our bilateral relations, and vowed to further enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas including trade, investment, tourism, energy, connectivity and people-to-people contact,” Hun Sen said in a joint press conference after the meeting.

“We encouraged both sides to continue exchanging high-level visits more often and at all levels to build closer friendship, to further increase mutual trust and to expand the broader scope of bilateral cooperation,” he added.

According to the Cambodian leader, the trade volume between the two ASEAN member countries was valued at $620 million in 2022, up 24 per cent from $500 million in 2021.

At the press conference, Anwar said regional and international issues such as the Myanmar situation, the Ukraine-Russia war, and the Korean Peninsula, among others, had been discussed, saying that both sides had “similar views” on these issues.

He also thanked Cambodia for helping 287 Malaysians who had been victims of job scams in the kingdom.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister promised to encourage Malaysian companies to buy milled rice and cashew nuts from Cambodia.

At the end of the meeting, the two premiers witnessed the signing of two memorandums of understanding regarding the recruitment, employment and repatriation of Cambodian workers in the domestic sector and in the formal sector.

Anwar arrived in Phnom Penh on Monday morning for a day-long official visit at Hun Sen’s invitation.

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-Top News ASEAN News Asia News

India warms up to Cambodia during visit of top General

In a region where China continues to wield its influence, 45-year-old Hun Manet is expected to play the role of a key decision-maker in the times to come…reports Asian Lite News

A new chapter has begun in the two millennia relationship between India and Cambodia as Lieutenant General Hun Manet, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, wrapped up a significant three-day visit to New Delhi on Saturday. 

With Cambodia being an important interlocutor and a good partner in the context of India’s ‘Act East’ policy – also the ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region – the maiden visit to India by any Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army could be path-breaking in bilateral and army-to-army relations between the two countries.

Over the past decade or so, China has made an all-out effort to cultivate Cambodia–a move that New Delhi has noticed with some discomfort.

On Saturday, the Cambodian General visited the Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre at Delhi Cantt, where he not only witnessed the training of Agniveers but also had a look at a wide range of indigenous military equipment.

He later called on Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan with discussions focusing on key regional developments, issues of mutual interest and avenues for strengthening defence cooperation

Hun Manet spent Friday holding a series of meetings with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri and Indian Army chief General Manoj Pande.

In a region where China continues to wield its influence, 45-year-old Hun Manet is expected to play the role of a key decision-maker in the times to come.

The first Cambodian to graduate from the US Military Academy at West Point, Hun Manet is the eldest son of Hun Sen who has been the country’s Prime Minister since 1985.

Even though the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), as recently as last week’s National Congress meeting, has not declared him as the official PM candidate for this year’s elections, Hun Manet is widely touted as the ‘energetic next-generation leader’ who is important for Cambodia’s future.

However, analysts believe that power transition through generation shift – based on an electoral vote, and not violence, this time around – is not too far away in the Southeast Asian nation with the oldest of Hun Sen’s six children set to continue his father’s legacy.

“Everybody knows Hun Manet from cities to rural areas, and even overseas. And for a party as big as the CPP, it needs a strong leadership figure with a sweeping popularity of that scale to compete and win in elections,” Phnom Penh’s leading daily Khmer Times stated in a three-part editorial a few months ago.

New Delhi, which saw the rising son follow in his father’s footsteps long ago, has highly appreciated Hun Manet’s skillful leadership, particularly in paving the way for practical cooperation between the Armed Forces of the two countries.

In November, the Cambodian General paid a courtesy call to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh when he was in Cambodia’s Siem Reap for the maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting and the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus).

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-Top News India News

After restoring Angkor Wat, India now bringing back tigers to Cambodia

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Angkor-Wat

It is believed that Cambodia once had the world’s second-highest tiger population. However, decades of poaching as well as conflict led to the extinction of the animal in the country…reports Asian Lite News

India is assisting Cambodia big time in its tiger reintroduction programme which will make the Southeast Asian country the first nation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to bring big cats back into the wild.

Adding a new chapter to their relations which go back to the 1st century AD, both countries recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in biodiversity conservation, sustainable wildlife management and tiger conservation strategies and their habitats.

Through the MoU – which was signed between the environment and forestry ministries of the two countries during the visit of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar to Phnom Penh a couple of weeks ago – Cambodia has the opportunity to reintroduce rare species, especially the big tiger, to their historical habitat.

It is believed that Cambodia once had the world’s second-highest tiger population. However, decades of poaching as well as conflict led to the extinction of the animal in the country.

According to the World Wide Fund (WWF), since the last camera trap image of a wild tiger in 2007 was captured inside the forests of the Eastern Plains Landscape, there has been no other evidence of wild tigers in Cambodia. A decade later, the conservationists concurred and announced in April 2016 that there is no breeding population of wild tigers in Cambodia.

India, which has the largest number of big tigers and bilateral agreements and MoUs with several ‘Tiger Range Countries’, is working very closely with Cambodia in implementing the Big Tiger Rehabilitation Programme.

Insisting that the tiger symbolises power, and plays a crucial role in the conservation of biodiversity, forest, water, and climate security, New Delhi has batted strongly to secure the future of wild tigers and their habitat globally.

As the historical and civilizational bond between the two countries strengthened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership – who has spotlighted Phnom Penh’s valued role in India’s Act East policy several times – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s action plan on big tigers (2015-2024) also received a massive boost.

The MoU signed this month focuses on tiger conservation strategies and their implementation first in the Cardamom mountains in southwestern Cambodia and then in the Keo Seima Conservation Area of seasonal tropical forest in eastern Cambodia.

“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is a new page in the history of enhancing relations and friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and India, especially between the Ministry of Environment of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change of the Republic of India in the field of environment and conservation of natural resources,” said the Cambodian government.

The MoU majorly focuses on three key areas with the first being to promote biodiversity conservation by focusing on the restoration of large tigers in Cambodia, especially in key landscapes, including mountain ranges of Cardamoms.

Secondly, both countries will work together on providing the breeding of big tigers from India and exchange skills and abilities to promote tiger conservation in both countries.

Thirdly, the two countries will promote wildlife conservation by sharing good experiences of implementing technology, livelihoods for communities living in wildlife sanctuaries, and sustainable biodiversity management.

Once implemented fully, the agreement will deepen the centuries-old cultural and historical linkages between India and Cambodia which still remain friendly and on a growth trajectory.

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-Top News India News

Rajnath, Cambodian counterpart discuss defence ties

During the meeting with his counterpart, Singh congratulated Cambodia on the successful chairmanship of ASEAN and ADMM Plus in 2022…reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Cambodia General TEA Banh discussed closer defence cooperation during a meeting on Monday.

“Reviewed the full range of India-Cambodia defence ties during the fruitful meeting with Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister, General Samdech Pichey Sena TEA Banh in Siem Reap today. There is immense scope to boost defence cooperation between both the countries,” Singh tweeted.

The two ministers discussed mutually beneficial avenues for furthering the bilateral ties between both countries, India’s Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.

During their meeting, the two ministers also noted the shared rich cultural and historic linkages between India and Cambodia. They recognised Angkor Wat, an ancient temple complex in Cambodia, as “the symbol of the long-lasting ties between the two countries,” the ministry added.

Singh is in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to co-chair the maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting and attend the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus). 2022 marks the completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia.

During the meeting with his counterpart, Singh congratulated Cambodia on the successful chairmanship of ASEAN and ADMM Plus in 2022.

To commemorate 30 years of India-ASEAN relations, India and Cambodia will co-chair the maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting on Tuesday (November 22), presided over by Singh. Various initiatives to boost India-ASEAN partnership are planned to be announced during the meeting, the Ministry of Defence said.

On Wednesday, Cambodia, as the chair of ADMM Plus meeting, will host the 9th annual meeting and the Raksha Mantri will address the forum.

Defence Minister Singh will also call on the Prime Minister of Cambodia during the visit.

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India News USA

Vice Prez Dhankhar meets Biden in Cambodia

He announced an additional USD 5 million commitment to the ASEAN-India science and technology fund in order to strengthen collaboration…reports Asina Lite News

On the sidelines of the 17th East Asia Summit, visiting Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday met US President Joe Biden in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Taking to Twitter, the Vice President Secretariat shared a photograph of the meeting and captioned, “Hon’ble Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar with the President of United States, Mr. Joe Biden on the sidelines of the 17th East Asia Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. @POTUS”

Earlier on Sunday, the Vice President addressed the East Asia Summit where he called for forging a comprehensive strategic relationship and step-up anti-terrorism cooperation between India and ASEAN nations.

On Saturday, he announced an additional USD 5 million commitment to the ASEAN-India science and technology fund in order to strengthen collaboration in the areas of public health, renewable energy, and smart agriculture.

In a joint statement, India and ASEAN recognized the strong cross-cultural ties, maritime connectivity, and deep ties between Southeast Asia and India that have developed over the past 30 years. These ties serve as a solid basis for ASEAN-India relations.

India and ASEAN are committed to stepping up their collaboration in the digital economy through several regional capacity-building initiatives in digital transformation, trade, innovation, and skills, as well as hackathons, read India-ASEAN joint statement.

On November 11, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and his wife, Dr Sudesh Dhankhar, flew into Cambodia on a three-day visit. Dhankhar, the head of the Indian delegation to the 17th East Asia Summit and the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit, is also accompanied by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

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