Did MoS Pabitra Margherita Engage with Cambodian FM at ASEAN-India FMM?
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Synopsis
Union Minister of State Pabitra Margherita met Cambodian FM Prak Sokhonn at the ASEAN-India FMM in Kuala Lumpur, discussing key bilateral relations and cooperation efforts. This important dialogue highlights India's commitment to strengthening ties within ASEAN.
Key Takeaways
- MoS Pabitra Margherita met with Cambodian FM Prak Sokhonn to discuss bilateral relations.
- The discussions included heritage conservation and development partnerships.
- Margherita expressed gratitude for Cambodia's support in combating terrorism.
- A new ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2026-2030 was adopted.
- Strengthening people-to-people relations was emphasized during the meeting.
Kuala Lumpur, July 11 (NationPress) - On Friday, the Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, had a productive meeting with Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Prak Sokhonn, during the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting (FMM) in Malaysia. The discussions focused on a variety of bilateral issues, including heritage conservation and expanding development partnerships.
MoS Margherita expressed appreciation for Cambodia's ongoing support in India's fight against terrorism. In a post on X, he stated, “I was delighted to meet with Prak Sokhonn at the ASEAN-India FMM. We discussed our multifaceted bilateral relations, from heritage conservation to development partnerships. I also reflected on my recent visit to Cambodia, where I engaged in several fruitful interactions. I extended my gratitude to Cambodia for its support against terrorism.”
On Thursday, Margherita also met with the Secretary General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, on the sidelines of the FMM in Kuala Lumpur. The MoS acknowledged Hourn's commitment to facilitating the implementation of decisions made by leaders to enhance the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Margherita held meetings with Bui Thanh Son, Foreign Minister of Vietnam, and Sugiono, Foreign Minister of Indonesia, during the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India in Kuala Lumpur.
Additionally, he met with Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, where they acknowledged the long-standing friendship and 75-year diplomatic relationship between India and the Philippines. They also explored avenues to fortify bilateral cooperation, with Margherita thanking the Philippines for its solidarity with India in its anti-terrorism efforts.
Earlier, Margherita co-chaired the ASEAN-India FMM in Kuala Lumpur, where the new 2026-2030 ASEAN-India Plan of Action was adopted. As India's country coordinator, he co-chaired this meeting alongside Theresa P. Lazaro.
“We adopted a new ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2026-2030, aiming to enhance our cooperation and strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership. This year, as we celebrate the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, we discussed ways to further improve people-to-people relations,” Margherita shared in a post on X.
He arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday night, invited by the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysia.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the strategic importance of MoS Pabitra Margherita's engagements at the ASEAN-India FMM. This meeting not only emphasizes India's commitment to regional partnerships but also showcases the proactive steps being taken to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas that matter. It reflects a united approach in addressing common challenges such as terrorism while promoting cultural and developmental ties.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was discussed in the meeting between MoS Margherita and Cambodian FM?
The meeting focused on bilateral relations, including heritage conservation, development partnerships, and cooperation in combating terrorism.
What is the ASEAN-India Plan of Action?
The ASEAN-India Plan of Action is a strategic framework aimed at enhancing cooperation between ASEAN and India, with the latest plan covering the years 2026-2030.
How is India strengthening its ties with ASEAN countries?
India is strengthening its ties through diplomatic meetings, discussions on shared challenges, and initiatives like the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism.
