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International Affairs
SPEECH BY SHRI K.R. NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE ACCEPTING THE CRENDENTIALS FROM MR. KIDENG THAMMAVONG, AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE OF LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC TO INDIA

NEW DELHI, THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 1998

Excellency,

I am very pleased to receive from His Excellency President Khamtay Siphandone the Letter of Credence accrediting you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to the Republic of India. I appreciate the kind sentiments expressed by His Excellency and extend to him my warmest regards and best wishes for the good health and well-being of His Excellency and for the continued progress, prosperity and welfare of the friendly Lao people. I would also like to extend to you a very warm and cordial welcome to India.

India and Laos share traditional links, going way back in history and draw inspiration from shared values and strong cultural bonds. It is a matter of great satisfaction that our relations continue to flourish, based as they are on sound principles of mutual understanding and cooperation. Economic cooperation between our two countries has been guided by the spirit of South-South cooperation. We look forward to further sharing our technical expertise and experience in relevant areas with Laos. I am confident that in the coming years our relations will attain further vibrancy and diversification.

Excellency, India and Laos have been following similar policies on international and global issues as partners in the Non-aligned Movement as well as other fora representing the interest of developing countries. We appreciate the support given by the Lao People's Democratic Republic on issues important to us. We were also privileged to have the opportunity to participate as Chairman in the International Control Commission in Laos at a critical period in your history. Being Asian neighbours, it will be our endeavour to constantly work towards achieving overall prosperity for our two peoples through ever expanding political and economic relations.

India values its ties with ASEAN. Since becoming a Full Dialogue Partner in 1996 another dimension has been added to our ever expanding links after Laos became a member of ASEAN. We believe that our partnership with ASEAN and other regional fora would strengthen the economic and strategic objectives of ASEAN and of the Asia Pacific region as a whole. India is also keen to play a constructive role in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as it has a fundamental interest in the security of this region.

India-Laos relationship received fresh impetus with the official visit of H.E. Mr Khamtay Siphandone, the then Prime Minister of your country to India in May 1997. Pursuant to that visit the First Meeting of the India-Lao Joint Commission was held in New Delhi in July 1997 wherein the two governments at ministerial level discussed several ways of revitalising our relationship by introducing new economic content, especially in agriculture, mining, infrastructure, bilateral trade and human resources development. As India and Laos become closer through interaction at various levels, I am sure bilateral trade between our two countries would also achieve rapid growth commensurate with its potential.

Your Excellency, I appreciate the commitment you have indicated for further strengthening the friendship between our two countries. I have no doubt that with your wide-ranging experience, you will be able to contribute significantly to enhance the understanding and cooperation between India and Laos. In welcoming you to India, I would like to assure you that you will receive the full cooperation of my Government in the fulfillment of your mission. I wish you a successful tenure of office and a pleasant and comfortable stay in India.

Thank you

Jai Hind
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