Prez Patil meets Cambodian PM, India extends 15 million dollar credit

Phnom Penh, Sep 14 (ANI): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen today called on visiting Indian President Pratibha Devising Patil here which was followed by signing of agreements between the two countries.

Hun Sen is one of the longest serving leader in South East Asia and is one of the longest serving prime ministers in the world, having been in power through various coalitions since 1985.

After the meeting, EXIM bank director P. Dalal and Cambodia's Secretary of State in Ministry of Economy and Finance, Aun Porn Monirothe, signed an agreement to extend 15 million dollars credit for the Stung Tassal Water Development project.

Second agreement was signed by Indian Ambassador to Cambodia Rajesh Kr. Sachdeva and the Cambodian National Audit Authority in order to help the later in capacity building.

The agreements were signed to enhance economic engagements between the two countries. An Indian business delegation is also in Cambodia to achieve this objective.

Total trade between India and Cambodia in 2008-09 was 49.61 dollars. Major exports to Cambodia are drugs, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, cotton, staple fibres, rubber articles, precious metals, etc.

Earlier in the day, President Patil was accorded a traditional welcome by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni at the Silver Pagoda Royal Palace here.

The Indian President arrived on Monday on a six-day state visit to Cambodia from September 13 to 18 with the objective of strengthening enduring partnerships with countries of the ASEAN region as part of India's Look-East policy.

India has "warm and cordial relations" with Cambodia, one of the important countries in the ASEAN region, which has supported New Delhi's bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Apart from visiting Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, President Patil would be travelling with the delegation to Siem Reap where the world famous temples of Angkor Vat are located. India and Cambodia enjoy a long standing and shared historical affinity and close cultural ties. Cambodia is an important partner of India among the ASEAN countries. resident Patil's visit to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap will provide

an opportunity for reaffirming and strengthening multifaceted bilateral ties, including commercial and investment relations. By Praful Kumar Singh (ANI)