Indian Prime Minister reaches Lao PDR for summit meetings

"Close ties with ASEAN is key to our Act East Policy. We seek more economic & people-to-people ties with ASEAN for benefit of our citizens," the PM had tweeted earlier.

The Prime Minister took to Facebook to post about his plans on Tuesday.

"I will visit Vientiane, Lao PDR on 7-8 September 2016 to attend the 14th ASEAN-India Summit and the 11th East Asia Summit. This is the third time I am attending these Summits," his post read.

PM Modi's post also underscored the importance of ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

"ASEAN is a key partner for our Act East Policy, which is vital for the economic development of our Northeastern region. Our strategic partnership with ASEAN is also important for safeguarding and promoting our security interests and countering traditional and non-traditional security challenges in the region."

Speaking about East Asia Summit, he said, "East Asia Summit is the premier forum for discussions on the challenges and opportunities before the Asia Pacific region."

"Our ties with the countries of South East Asia are truly historic," the post mentioned

"Our engagement and approach can be best encapsulated in just one word - connectivity. We wish to enhance our physical and digital connectivity; to see greater people to people links; to strengthen our institutional linkages; and, to leverage the modern interconnected world for the mutual benefit of all our people," it read.

PM Modi will also engage in dialogues with other leaders of participating nations.

During the visit, I will also have the opportunity to interact with the leaders of participating countries to discuss bilateral issues of mutual concern.

Image: PIB