Phnom Penh [Cambodia], July 12 (ANI): Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita reaffirmed the “strong and enduring bonds of friendship” between India and Cambodia during his two-day official visit to the Southeast Asian nation from July 7–8.
According to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Margherita held meetings with Cambodian leaders, including King Norodom Sihamoni, Senate President Hun Sen, and Prime Minister Hun Manet. He highlighted the deep civilizational, cultural, and linguistic heritage shared by the two nations, along with their ongoing development partnership.
“In his engagements with the leaders, MoS reaffirmed strong and enduring bonds of friendship between India and Cambodia, rooted in ancient civilizational, cultural, and linguistic heritage and the ongoing close development partnership. Both sides also discussed avenues of cooperation for further strengthening India–Cambodia relations in diverse sectors, as well as issues of mutual concern and interest,” the MEA said.
A key highlight of Margherita’s visit was his trip to Siem Reap, where he visited the Ta Prohm Temple — a site of the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) ongoing restoration and conservation project under Phase III. The MEA noted that heritage conservation remains a cornerstone of India’s ties with Cambodia, recalling India’s assistance in conserving Angkor Wat during the 1980s and ’90s.
“Heritage conservation is a special aspect of India’s relations with Cambodia. India was the first country to extend assistance for the conservation and restoration of Angkor Wat during the 1980s and ’90s. MoS visited the Ta Prohm Temple, where the ASI is executing work under Phase III of the restoration and conservation project,” the statement said.
Margherita also visited the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Asian Traditional Textile Museum, established with Indian assistance, showcasing the rich textile traditions of the region and reflecting India’s cultural diplomacy efforts.
In Phnom Penh, he engaged with the Indian community, expressing appreciation for their role in strengthening bilateral ties and updating them on India’s transformative initiatives. He also met with ITEC and ICCR alumni, joined by Cambodian dignitaries and officials, and highlighted India’s contributions to capacity building and human resource development — noting that more than 3,000 Cambodian officials have trained in India to date.
Following his visit to Cambodia, Margherita traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at the invitation of ASEAN Chair Malaysia, where he participated in Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework, including the ASEAN–India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) formats.
(ANI)
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