S Jaishankar Meets Leaders from Norway, Cambodia, and More at ASEAN Meetings in Laos
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held important meetings with leaders from Norway, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Timor Leste during the ASEAN meetings in Vientiane, Laos.
Meeting with Norway
Jaishankar met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. They discussed the geopolitical situation and expressed their commitment to implementing the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) for the benefit of both India and Norway. Jaishankar shared on X, “Good to meet Foreign Minister @EspenBarthEide of Norway today. The India – Nordic partnership in clean energy and trade continues to deliver. Committed to implementing EFTA to the better advantage of both countries. Also spoke about the geopolitical situation.”
Meeting with Cambodia
Jaishankar also met with Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea. They noted progress in bilateral ties, including air connectivity, defense, and heritage conservation. Jaishankar posted on X, “Glad to meet DPM & FM Sok Chenda Sophea of Cambodia. Noted the progress in our bilateral ties, including air connectivity, defence and heritage conservation. Looking forward to further building on it.”
Meeting with the Philippines
Jaishankar held a meeting with Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo. They discussed strengthening collaboration between the two nations and their partnership in the Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar shared on X, “Delighted to meet my friend @SecManalo of Philippines today in Vientiane. Discussed the strengthening collaboration between our two democracies and partnership in the Indo-Pacific, especially in upholding the rule of law and ASEAN centrality.”
Meeting with Timor Leste
Jaishankar also met with Timor Leste’s Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas. They exchanged views on shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar posted on X, “Pleasure to meet FM Bendito Freitas of Timor Leste on the sidelines of #ASEAN meetings. Our Delhi to Dili friendship continues to diversify and deepen. Also exchanged views on our shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.”
ASEAN Meetings
Jaishankar arrived in Vientiane to participate in the ASEAN-mechanism meetings aimed at strengthening India’s relations with Southeast Asian nations. He expressed optimism about advancing India’s engagement with ASEAN countries, marking a significant milestone in the Act East Policy’s decade-long journey. Jaishankar posted on X, “Arrived in Vientiane, Laos to take part in the ASEAN-mechanism meetings. Look forward to further deepening India’s ties with ASEAN as we mark a decade of Act East Policy.”
Jaishankar is visiting Vientiane from July 25 to 27 to take part in the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework, including the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that this visit underlines India’s deep engagement with ASEAN and its commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality.
This year marks a decade of India’s Act East Policy, which was announced by the Prime Minister at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014. ASEAN is a political and economic union of 10 countries in Southeast Asia, and India remains a valued partner for the economic union.
Doubts Revealed
S Jaishankar -: S Jaishankar is India’s External Affairs Minister. He is responsible for managing India’s relationships with other countries.
Norway -: Norway is a country in Europe, known for its beautiful fjords and northern lights.
Cambodia -: Cambodia is a country in Southeast Asia, famous for its ancient temples like Angkor Wat.
ASEAN -: ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is a group of countries in Southeast Asia that work together on economic and political issues.
Vientiane -: Vientiane is the capital city of Laos, a country in Southeast Asia.
Laos -: Laos is a country in Southeast Asia, known for its mountainous terrain and Buddhist monasteries.
geopolitical situations -: Geopolitical situations refer to how countries interact with each other and the effects of these interactions on global politics.
bilateral ties -: Bilateral ties are the relationships between two countries, including trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchanges.
Indo-Pacific -: The Indo-Pacific is a region that includes the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean. It is important for trade and security.
Act East Policy -: India’s Act East Policy is a strategy to improve relations with Southeast Asian countries. It focuses on economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation.
ASEAN unity and centrality -: ASEAN unity and centrality mean that the countries in ASEAN work together closely and play a central role in regional issues.
