Cambodian PM visit 'cancelled' due to Chandra Shekhar mourning

New Delhi, July 9 (UNI) Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech, Hun Sen who arrived here yesterday on a three-day State visit, returned home today without attending any official meetings with Indian leaders because of State mourning over former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar's death.

He, however, assured the Indian side that he would visit India again at a mutually-convenient date.

Fresh dates for the visit are under consideration, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.

''The visit stands cancelled,'' an official of the External Affairs Ministry said.

''Although he (Mr Hun Sen) arrived yesterday, he went back today without participating in any programme,'' the official said.

Giving details, the External Affairs Ministry spokesman said senior officials of the Ministry met their Cambodian counterparts to convey the changes in the programme in the light of the new developments and the seven-day State mourning.

Later, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee met Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, and explained that the Indian side was ready to go ahead with the official programme except the ceremonial part.

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