Cambodia, India ink MoU on tourism cooperation

Cambodia and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on tourism collaboration, witnessed by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Indian Vice President Mohammad Hamid.

During the two leaders’ talks in Phnom Penh on September 16, both sides agreed to sponsor the implementation of several projects within the framework of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Initiative.

The Indian Vice President expressed his hope to continue increasing cooperative ties with Cambodia across trade, investment and tourism.

Currently, India is implementing the Look East policy with the promotion of cooperation with Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar, he said, adding that India is focusing its investment particularly in mining, industry, agriculture and information technology in Cambodia.

Prime Minister Hun Sen thanked India for supporting his nation is reconstruction after it escaped from the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime and continuing their assistance to preserve the heritage value of Angkor Wat, develop irrigation systems and provide material facilities for election.

He highly valued India’s efforts to carry out its Look East policy and commented that the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Initiative has contributed to mitigating the gap among ASEAN member states and empowering Cambodia’s socio-economic development in particular.

He proposed India consider launching a direct air route between the two countries and avoid copying Angkor Wat’s architecture when building temples in India.

During the official visit to Cambodia on September 15-17, the Indian Vice President met with President of the Cambodian Senate Say Chhum and visited the Angkor Wat temple and Asian Traditional Textiles Museum – built in Siem Reap under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Initiative.-VNA