New Delhi (VNA) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 3 announced that Brunei and Singapore are "important partners" in India's "Act East" policy.
He also emphasised that his visit to these two nations from September 3-5 will strengthen India's partnerships with both countries and the broader ASEAN region.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit marks his first bilateral trip to Brunei, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He is expected to meet with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other members of the Bruneian royal family to "elevate the historic ties between the two countries".
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs noted that the visit aims to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including defence, trade and investment, energy, space technology, health care, capacity building, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. This is also the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei.
Following his visit to Brunei, on September 4, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Singapore. He is scheduled to meet with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Ministers Lee Hsien Loong and Goh Chok Tong, as well as leaders from Singapore's business community.
Prime Minister Modi said he hopes these discussions will deepen India’s strategic partnership with Singapore, particularly in emerging fields such as advanced manufacturing, digitalisation, and sustainable development./.
