Vientiana: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held meetings with counterparts from Norway and Cambodia on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Laos.

During the meeting, Jaishankar and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide spoke about the geopolitical situation. The two leaders expressed commitment to implementing European Free Trade Association (EFTA) to the betterment of India and Norway.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Good to meet Foreign Minister @EspenBarthEide of Norway today. The India - Nordic partnership in clean energy and trade continues to deliver. Committed to implementing EFTA to the better advantage of both countries. Also spoke about the geopolitical situation."

Jaishankar also met Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea and noted the progress in bilateral ties.

Taking to X, Jaishankar stated, "Glad to meet DPM & FM Sok Chenda Sophea of Cambodia. Noted the progress in our bilateral ties, including air connectivity, defence and heritage conservation. Looking forward to further building on it."

Jaishankar, who arrived in Vientiane, Laos earlier in the day, held a meeting with Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo on Thursday and discussed strengthening the collaboration between the two nations and partnership in the Indo-Pacific.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Delighted to meet my friend @SecManalo of Philippines today in Vientiane. Discussed the strengthening collaboration between our two democracies and partnership in the Indo-Pacific, especially in upholding the rule of law and ASEAN centrality."

Jaishankar also held a meeting with Timor Leste counterpart, Bendito Freitas, on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings. The two leaders exchanged views on shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific.

Sharing details regarding about his meeting with Freitas, Jaishankar in a post on X stated, "Pleasure to meet FM Bendito Freitas of Timor Leste on the sidelines of #ASEAN meetings. Our Delhi to Dili friendship continues to diversify and deepen. Also exchanged views on our shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region."

Jaishankar arrived in Vientiane to participate in the crucial ASEAN-mechanism meetings aimed at strengthening India's relations with Southeast Asian nations. He expressed optimism about advancing India's engagement with ASEAN countries, marking a significant milestone in the Act East Policy's decade-long journey.

"Arrived in Vientiane, Laos to take part in the ASEAN-mechanism meetings. Look forward to further deepening India's ties with ASEAN as we mark a decade of Act East Policy," said EAM Jaishankar in a post on X.

Jaishankar is on a visit to Vientiana from July 25 to 27 to take part in the Foreign Ministers' Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format of the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed in a press release earlier.

EAM Jaishankar visited Laos at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos, Saleumxay Kommasith. The visit underlines India's deep engagement with and the importance India attaches to the ASEAN-centred regional architecture, our strong commitment to ASEAN unity, ASEAN centrality, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and taking forward the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, according to MEA press release.

It is of particular significance that this year marks a decade of India's Act East Policy, which was announced by the Prime Minister at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014, the MEA said.

ASEAN is a political and economic union of 10 countries in Southeast Asia. As the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) continues to grow in strength, India, too remains a valued partner for the economic union.

(With Inputs From Agencies)