India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership with ASEAN and supporting the establishment of the bloc’s community by 2015.

The pledge was made at the 16 th ASEAN-India Senior Officials Meeting (AISOM) held on June 24 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.

The meeting reviewed the progress made in the bilateral cooperation in politics-security, economics, and socio-cultural spheres.

India was hailed for its active participation in the bloc’s events such as ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministerial Meeting Plus (ADMM+), and East Asia Summit (EAS).

The AISOM looked forwards to the early signing of the ASEAN-India Trade in Services and Investment Agreements.

Preparations for the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) Plus One Session with India were also being made. This event will take place in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, in August.-VNA