| Hakim Hayat in New Delhi, India |
HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam together with other Asean heads of states and the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi yesterday discussed ways to boost maritime security, connectivity and trade during the Retreat Session of the landmark Asean-India Commemorative Summit, held in New Delhi, India yesterday.
The event held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Residence) in the Indian capital focussed on the theme ‘Maritime Cooperation and Security’, an agenda that both sides deem paramount to boost trade and connectivity and expand economic cooperation.
Addressing the session, the Indian Prime Minister said that Asean stands right at the centre of India’s ‘Act East Policy’, noting that the Asean-India relationship has “evolved significantly”.
The prime minister also highlighted that trade between India and Asean nations has grown 25 times more in 25 years. “Investments are robust and growing. We will further enhance trade ties and work towards greater interaction among our business communities,” he added.
Modi also pointed to the joint vision of “rule-based societies and values of peace” shared by India and Asean nations. Specifically, he assured them of India’s commitment to enhance collaboration in the maritime domain. He also talked about the shared cultural linkages between the countries.
The Indian Prime Minister’s speech was followed by opening remarks from Lee Hsien Loong, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore as Chairman of Asean this year.
Following the Retreat Session, His Majesty joined other leaders for a walk around Mughal Gardens at the Presidential Residence, before a group photograph session together with the Indian Prime Minister and Asean leaders.
The Asean-India Commemorative Summit was held to commemorate 25 years of Asean-India dialogue partnership.
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