India Seeks Cambodia’s Help with ASEAN, Reassures on Angkor

Khmer Time/ Ven Rathavong

Wednesday, 16 September 2015

PHNOM PENH (Khmer Times) – India wants to forge closer business and economic partnerships with Cambodia as part of its move to engage more with Asean, a strategy which is a key focus of visiting vice president Hamid Ansari.

After meeting Prime Minister Hun Sen at peace Palace yesterday, Mr. Ansari told gathered officials  that Cambodia, as the geographic heart of the regional bloc, was critical to New Delhi’s “Look East” policy.

“For us in India, our relationship with Cambodia is a key element of our engagement with Asean,” Mr. Ansari said. “We look forward to Cambodia’s strong support in building bridges and deepening our relationship with the entire region.”

The prime minister’s assistant, Eang Sohpalet, told reporters after the meeting that Mr. Ansari wanted to boost trade, tourism and investment – especially in mining, agro-industry and information technology – with the Kingdom.

Mr. Sohpalet added that under the Ganga-Mekong Cooperation deal between India and the Mekong River countries, India was involved in projects here to combat malaria, capacity development for women and to develop the agricultural industry.

He said Mr. Hun Sen had pressed for the establishment of direct flights between the two countries to help expand trade and tourism.

Although Mr. Ansari’s role is largely ceremonial, his comments carry the message of the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“We hope that these projects will benefit local communities and contribute to the improvement of public welfare,” Mr. Ansari said, adding India will give $50,000 for the establishment of an entrepreneurship development center.

Mr. Hun Sen again pressed his government’s concerns over plans to build a replica of Angkor Wat in the eastern Indian state of Bihar.

In response to Cambodia’s objections, Mr. Modi this month convinced the development company to alter its plans. He also invited officials from the Cambodian embassy in New Delhi to suggest changes.

Mr. Sophalet said Mr. Ansari had given assurances there would be no copying of such an important part of Cambodia’s culture.

Mr. Ansari will visit Angkor Wat before he leaves today for Laos.