New Delhi, Sep 7 (PTI) - As part of pushing forward India''s "Look East" policy, President Pratibha Patil will pay a ten-day state visit to Laos and Cambodia from September 9 to strengthen and consolidate mutual relations and enhance economic engagement with the two countries. The President will visit Laos from September 9-13, 2010, along with a delegation of senior officials at the invitation of President of Laos Choummaly Sayasone. "It would be Patil''s first visit to Laos and only the second by an Indian President since the two countries established diplomatic relations," an External Affairs Ministry release said. Apart from Laos'' capital Vientiane, Patil and the delegation will also travel to Luang Prabang. "The visit of Patil to Laos is meant to reaffirm India''s commitment to further strengthen and consolidate our relations, and enhance our economic engagement and assistance in its socio-economic development," the release said. Apart from official talks between the two sides, Patil will also have discussions with President Sayasone and Prime Minister of Laos Bouasone Bouphavanh. Patil will travel to Cambodia (Sep 13-18, 2010) at the invitation of Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia. Apart from the capital Phnom Penh, Patil would be travelling with the delegation to Siem Reap where the world famous temples of Angkor Vat are located. "Cambodia is an important partner of India among the ASEAN countries. Patil''s visit to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap will provide an opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen multi-faceted bilateral ties including commercial and investment relations," the MEA release said. Cambodia is also currently the coordinator for ASEAN on India-ASEAN relations. "Patil''s visit to Laos and Cambodia will reaffirm our pursuit of a closer and enduring partnership with the countries of ASEAN region as part of our Look-East policy," the release said.
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