PM arrives in Cebu

Cebu, Jan 13 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived here tonight for the 5th India-ASEAN Summit and the 2nd East Asia Summit (EAS) on January 14-15 as part of India's efforts to give a fresh impetus to its 'Look East Policy' and ''elevate its engagement in East Asia to qualitatively new levels.'' The Prime Minister was accompanied among others by National Security Adviser M K Narayanan.

Dr Singh was received at the airport on this central Philippines island by senior Indian and Filipino officials.

Earlier in a statement in New Delhi prior to his departure, he said India's participation in both the summits was a reflection of the increasing significance of the ''eastern orientation'' of India's foreign policy and its quest for closer enagement with the countries of East Asia.

Dr Singh said that in the India-ASEAN Summit, he would have an opportunity to review, with leaders of ASEAN countries, the progress that had been achieved over the last year in India's economic dialogue with ASEAN countries.

The Prime Minister said he would hold bilateral meetings, among others, with Philippines President Gloria Macpagal Arroyo, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee was here yesterday and today for the ministerial meetings, but has since left for a two-day visit to Pakistan. Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath is also here.

The two summits were originally scheduled for last month but the Philippines postponed the 12th ASEAN Summit and all other related events because of concerns over an approaching typhoon.

UNI