Discussion with Asean to expand horizons of cooperation: PM

New Delhi, Nov 19 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said his discussion with the ASEAN leaders is aimed at ''new measures to expand the horizons of our cooperation'' that will pave the way for not only greater economic integration, but also people-to-people contacts.

''I will discuss with the ASEAN leaders new measures to expand horizons of our cooperation to include not just greater economic integration, but also people to people contacts, science and technology, health, transport, human resources development and information and communication technology'', the Prime Minister said in a statement on the eve of his departure for Singapore.

Dr Singh said India's Look East policy is now blossoming and showing results on the ground.

During his stay in Singapore, he will hold talks with Prime Minister of Myanmar Thein Sein, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister of Japan Yosuo Fukuda and other leaders.

Dr Singh said that ever since India became a Sectoral Dialogue partner of ASEAN, cooperation with the grouping had increased manifold.

''Bilateral trade had grown rapidly and surpassed our expectations. It stands at 30 billion dollars.'' The Prime Minister will also attend the third East Asia summit-a most ambitious exercise of community building and integration ever attempted in Asia. The summit is likely to discuss regional and international issues and future direction.

UNI