Asean, India commit to strengthen cooperation

Wednesday 15th of August 2012

BANGALORE, India, Aug 15 -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and India have renewed their commitment to strengthen cooperation and association.

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Asean-India dialogue relations, the Ministry of External Affairs of India invited the Asean Secretariat delegation to visit to India from August 6 to 11, a statement from Asean said.

The delegation travelled to New Delhi and Bangalore to meet and strengthen coordination with officials from various Indian ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Indian Space Research Organization and the Indian Institute of Science, which are key proponents of Asean-India cooperation projects and activities.

During the visit, the delegation also participated in a round table of the Asean-India Network of Think Tanks.

Nyan Lynn, Asean deputy secretary-general for Asean Political Security Community, delivered a special address that emphasized the fruitful partnership for the past two decades.

Looking into the future of their partnership, Lynn said, “As Asia becomes the engine of growth for the global economy, Asean and India must capitalize on their partnership through enhanced connectivity to continue to reap benefits.”

The Asean Secretariat delegation was comprised of officers from various divisions supporting Asean-India cooperation including external relations, agriculture, environment, energy, science and technology, information technology and culture and youth affairs. (ASEAN)