April 09, 2002

    The Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his two-days’ official visit to Cambodia, spoke to the Cambodian and Indian media after signing agreements at Phnom Penh, today. Following is the text of the Opening Remarks of Shri Vajpayee:

    "Your Excellency, Prime Minister Hun Sen

    Ladies & gentlemen,

    It is a great pleasure to be in Cambodia, which is home to one of the world’s ancient and glorious civilizations. I have come here to renew and strengthen our traditional bonds of friendship and co-operation, to discuss with Prime Minister Hun Sen matters of bilateral, regional and global interest and to meet the people of this friendly country.

    My discussions with Prime Minister Hun Sen today were warm and cordial. We exchanged views on our excellent political relationship. We discussed in detail measures to tap more fully the potential for our economic co-operation. I reaffirmed to the Prime Minister, India’s continued commitment to assisting in Combodia’s development.

    I welcome the opportunity to discuss with the Prime Minister our perspectives on the India-ASEAN dialogue. India deeply appreciates the total understanding of our position by the Cambodian Government and also Cambodia’s efforts in promoting the ASEAN-India dialogue. It is a matter of great satisfaction tome that the first ASEAN-India Summit will be held in Cambodia. I look forward to be here again for the Summit in November this year.

    Prime Minister Hun Sen and I agreed that our two countries should sustain a regular high-level dialogue, including exchanges of visits. I have invited Prime Minister Hun Sen to make a State visit to India and he has very kindly accepted the invitation."