As I mentioned in my departure statement, I visited Laos and Cambodia at the invitation of President Choummaly Sayasone of Laos and H.M. Norodom Sihamoni, the King of Cambodia. My visit to these countries was undertaken to reinforce the deep historical and cultural ties which India has with these countries dating back to more than 2000 years, and to build a dynamic economic and developmental partnership on these foundations. The last visit of an Indian President to Laos and Cambodia was that of our first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad in March 1959.

In Laos, I visited the capital city of Vientiane and the world heritage city of Luang Prabang. I had detailed and valuable discussions with President Sayasone who had paid a State Visit to India in August 2008 as well as with PM Bouasone Bouphavanh and the President of the Lao National Assembly. Government of Lao PDR repeatedly conveyed its deep appreciation for India's continued assistance and support for its developmental efforts through loans and assistance in the field of human resource development, hydropower and irrigation schemes in particular. The Lao leadership emphasized that Indian Lines of Credit were very important for Laos and also conveyed special appreciation for the preferential tariff assistance given by India for Lao exports. I was informed that the National Assembly of Laos has already approved the India-ASEAN Agreement on Trade in Goods and only some administrative formalities remain prior to its notification. The Lao leadership also indicated that they look forward to investments from the Indian private sector.

In Vientiane, a Cultural Exchange Agreement for the years 2011-13 was signed as also an agreement for a new Government of India Credit Line of US $ 72.55 million to finance two power projects. Agreements between the newly set-up Indian Chamber in Laos (INCHAM) with each of the three leading Indian Chambers of Commerce (viz. FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM) were also signed. These measures are expected to give impetus to further economic cooperation between India and Laos.

President Sayasone and I participated in a virtual inauguration of the 115 KV Paksong-Jiangxi-Bangyo transmission line project in Champassak province, where Government of India had provided a Line of Credit for US$ 18 million.

In Cambodia, I held talks with King Norodom Sihamoni, Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Presidents of the Senate and the National Assembly. The Cambodian leaders warmly recalled India's invaluable support for Cambodia during its most difficult times. They appreciated our developmental assistance and discussed new areas of cooperation. Prime Minister Hun Sen mentioned oil and gas, mineral extraction, agriculture and tourism as future areas for bilateral cooperation. I invited His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni to visit India, which he accepted. The dates will be worked out through diplomatic channels.

An MOU for cooperation between our Comptroller and Auditor General and the National Audit Authority of Cambodia was signed. A US$15 million Credit Line Agreement between EXIM Bank and the Cambodian Government was signed for Phase II of the Stung Tassal Water Development Project. I announced a financial grant of US$ 246,000 for upgradation of the Cambodia-India Friendship School. I attended the India-Cambodia Business meeting in Phnom Penh. I also performed the ground breaking and foundation stone laying ceremony of the Asian Traditional Textiles Museum being set up under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Programme.

On ASEAN, Cambodia has played a vital role as the host and ASEAN Chair in 2002 for the first ASEAN-India Summit. Cambodia is currently the Coordinator for India-ASEAN interaction and will again hold the ASEAN Chair in 2012 when we will host the Commemorative India-ASEAN Summit in India.

The grandeur and scale of the historical monuments I had visited has been particularly impressive in both Siem Reap and Luang Prabang. In my meetings with the Governors of these provinces, they both mentioned the old links with India. Our shared cultural heritage is very much in evidence in the architecture, the language, the religion, the art and culture and the social customs of our countries. The Baci ceremony in Laos in which threads are tied is very reminiscent of our Raksha Bandhan festival. We are proud of India's contribution to the restoration works in Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm in Cambodia and Wat Phu in Laos.

I was accompanied by Shri Kantilal Bhuria Union Minister for Tribal Affairs and by Members of Parliament - Shri Mohan Singh, Shri N. Peethambara Kurup and Shri Anandrao Adsul. They actively participated in the various events during the visit. They, like me, were deeply impressed with the commonality of culture and the ancient linkages with Laos and Cambodia, and the commitment of the leaders of the two countries to forge stronger bonds of friendship with India. I believe that greater economic engagement and people-to-people contacts, particularly among the youth and students will be the catalysts for this.

A business delegation also accompanied me. It consisted of representatives from Indian companies and the three major business associations - CII, FICCI and ASSOCHAM participated. As we look at our objective of greater economic engagement with these countries, it will be our companies and business organizations who will explore possibilities, and increase trade and investment levels.

I was touched by the exceptional affection and personal warmth extended to me in both Laos and Cambodia from the leadership and the people. I am convinced that my visit to Laos and Cambodia has served to reinforce our traditional ties and will also help us to forge new links for the future.

Thank You.