PM Narendra Modi Meets Laos PM Thongloun Sisoulith
In his speech to the people of Laos at the Lao National Cultural Hall, Obama, the first sitting United States president to set foot in the country, acknowledged the devastation caused by a U.S. bombing campaign during the Vietnam War and pledged US$90 million to help clean up unexploded bombs, highlighting the bond and new partnership between the two countries.
US President Barack Obama will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos, the White House said today.
Modi is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday afternoon.
Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted, “Greetings Vientiane!”.
A gala lunch will be hosted by the Laotian premier.
The meeting between the two leaders will be one of their last such meetings before Obama demits office in November.
India, being a founding member of the EAS, is committed to strengthening the EAS and making it more effective for dealing with contemporary challenges.
Talking about the East Asia Summit, the Prime Minister said it is the premier forum for discussions on the challenges and opportunities before the Asia Pacific region.
Indian Ambassador to ASEAN, Suresh Kumar Reddy, told the media earlier that the ASEAN Summit is expected to set the agenda for further strengthening the ties which will help India to achieve its objectives for socio-economic growth.
At the 11th East Asia Summit, leaders will discuss matters of regional and global interest and concerns including maritime security, terrorism, non-proliferation and irregular migration.
Modi said on Tuesday that Southeast Asia was the key to the development of India’s northeastern region. They will also exchange views on regional and worldwide issues of mutual interest and concern.
India’s engagement with ASEAN and the wider Asia Pacific Region has acquired further momentum following the enunciation of the Act East Policy by the Prime Minister.