External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar convened a meeting with ASEAN Secretary General, Kao Kim Hourn, in Delhi. The discussions between the two leaders encompassed a range of topics including connectivity, food security, and trade.

These discussions likely reflect the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation between India and the ASEAN member nations. Such dialogues play a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding and addressing key issues of regional importance.

In a social media post on platform X, the External Affairs Minister expressed pleasure at meeting ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn earlier in the day. He added, "We discussed advancing our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Our agenda centered on connectivity, food security, and trade."

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn arrived in Delhi, commencing his five-day visit to India. This marks Kao Kim Hourn's inaugural official visit to India since assuming office in January 2023. The visit is scheduled from February 11 to 15.

In a statement on platform X, Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), extended a warm welcome to ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn on his inaugural official visit to India. Jaiswal highlighted the occasion as an opportunity to enhance the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership further.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, students hailing from ASEAN Member States are currently engaged in higher education pursuits at the University as part of ASEAN-India cooperation projects. Additionally, MEA reports that Nalanda University plays a leading role in the ASEAN-India Network of Universities.

In a press release, the MEA emphasized that India's Act East Policy considers engagement with ASEAN a crucial component, marking its tenth year in 2024. This engagement is integral to India's broader vision for the Indo-Pacific region.

The statement underscored that in 2022, ASEAN-India relations reached a significant milestone with the elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signifying the deepening of ties and mutual cooperation between the two entities.

The Ministry of External Affairs affirmed India's steadfast support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Furthermore, India reiterated its backing for the priorities outlined by Lao PDR during its ASEAN Chairmanship for the year 2024, themed "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience."

Image source: ANI