Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, is on an official visit to Cambodia and Malaysia to bolster India’s ties with ASEAN nations. Starting his Cambodia leg on July 6, the Minister paid homage to the Father of the Nation and interacted with ITEC and ICCR alumni, alongside Cambodian dignitaries.
On July 7, MoS Margherita met with Cambodian Senate President H.E. Hun Sen and Prime Minister H.E. Hun Manet to discuss avenues for deepening the India-Cambodia development partnership. He also had a Royal Audience with His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni and conveyed greetings from India. “Reaffirmed the enduring friendship between our two countries built on the foundation of shared culture,” he posted on social media.
A visit to the Royal Palace on July 8 further underlined shared cultural heritage. The Minister lauded the Ramayana murals and confirmed the Archaeological Survey of India will assist in their restoration. In Guwahati, the visit is viewed as a diplomatic stride likely to benefit Assam’s growing cultural and textile exports. Stakeholders hope deeper ASEAN ties will boost demand for Assamese silk and handicrafts. Margherita will proceed to Malaysia on July 10 to join ASEAN-led Foreign Ministers’ Meetings.
