Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar arrives in Cambodia on his maiden three-day foreign tour
In his first ever foreign visit, the Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar arrived in Cambodia today where he was welcomed by Mr Chea Vandeth, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Cambodia and other dignitaries at Phnom Penh airport. The Vice President is scheduled to attend a host of events during his three-day tour, including the ASEAN India Commemorative Summit and the 17th East Asia Summit.
On the first day of the visit, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar and Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar attended a reception today evening organised in their honour by the Indian community and friends of India in Cambodia.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President called it a special occasion as India and Cambodia are commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations, and also the 30th anniversary of India-ASEAN relations with India-ASEAN friendship year.
Emphasising the deep cultural and historical ties between the two countries, Shri Dhankhar said, “Cambodians look at India as the revered land of Lord Buddha, just as we think of Cambodia as our civilizational sister and extended family.”
Referring to the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat, Ta-Prohm and Preah Vihear, he said that these awe-aspiring monuments are a sublime reflection of the linkages between our two countries. Highlighting India’s strong association with restoration and preservation works of the world-famous Angkor Wat temple, he expressed happiness over the continuation of such preservation work for other ancient temples such as Ta Prohm temple and the ancient Preah Vihear temple.
Describing the development partnership and capacity-building as the key components of our engagements with Cambodia, the Vice President termed Cambodia as an important interlocutor and partner in our ‘Act East’ policy and the ASEAN.
Praising the contributions of Indians the world over, Shri Dhankhar expressed happiness over the fact that the members of the Indian Diaspora have made a name for themselves in Cambodia.
Calling the Indian Diaspora a living bridge, the Vice President said that it can play a very important role in connecting their adopted land with the motherland. He termed India as the land of opportunities and asked all Indians living abroad to be part of the India growth story.
Prior to the community reception, Shri Dhankhar witnessed performances by local and Indian artists. He also viewed the exhibition of paintings of the ASEAN-India Artists Group at Chakto Mukh Conference Hall in Phnom Penh.
Dr S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Cambodia, members of the Indian community and friends of India in Cambodia were present.
Following is the full text of speech –
Extremely delighted to be here with you all.
Indeed special occasion as India and Cambodia commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations.
This year is also 30th anniversary of India-ASEAN relations with India-ASEAN friendship year.
Out two countries share rich traditions and culture and have centuries-old civilizational connect.
Magnificent and awe-aspiring temples of Angkor Wat, Ta-Prohm, Preah Vihear, to name few are sublime reflection of the linkages between our two countries.
We share cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism and Pali-Sanskrit language.
Cambodians look at India as the revered land of Lord Buddha, just as we think of Cambodia as our civilizational sister and extended family.
It is heartening and soothing to feel the ancient connection being lively cherished by our Cambodian friends.
I am very pleased that we have among ourselves presence of Friends of India.
As also distinguished alumni from Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.
Development partnership and capacity-building have been the key components of our engagements with our friends.
India's cooperation is driven by the needs of our friends.
It is a matter of immense satisfaction that more than 2,000 Cambodian officials have availed training in various disciplines, including at our premier Defence institutions under the ITEC programme.
We are happy that these trained professionals are contributing in the national development and modernisation in Cambodia in various fields.
We have a strong association with restoration and preservation works of magnificent architectural monuments in Cambodia.
India undertook restoration and conservation work at the world-famous Angkor Wat temple during the difficult period from 1986-1993.
It is a matter of pride that our contribution in this field is continuing with the restoration work of Ta Prohm temple in the Angkor Archaeological Complex.
Also restoration of the ancient temple of Lord Shiva at Preah Vihear.
Today Cambodia is an important interlocutor and partner in our ‘Act East’ policy and the ASEAN.
Dear Friends
India is extremely proud that you have been contributing to your adopted land with hard work and dedication.
We are very happy that members from Indian Diaspora have made a name for themselves in Cambodia.
I am also happy to learn that the Indian Community in Cambodia is closely involved in celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (75 years of Indian Independence).
There is focus on our various Indian festivals as well as International Day of Yoga.
For Government of India, it is a top priority to connect with and to ensure the welfare of our citizens and Diaspora outside India.
It remains our endeavor to extend all the possible help to our fellow Indian abroad.
Dear Friends
I take this opportunity to inform you about the tremendous developments and transformation taking place in India.
Following the mantra of reform, perform and transform, we are marching ahead on the path of economic growth and development.
India is on the rise. India today has achieved the milestone of being the 5th largest economy in the world.
With a Diaspora of 32 million, we are truly going global.
During the COVID -19 pandemic, India extended a helping hand to the world with supplies of medicines and vaccines under Vaccine-Maitri Programme.
India has donated:
325,000 Covishield Vaccine Doses to Cambodia,
200,000 Corbovax Vaccine doses to Thailand
under Quad-Vaccine initiative.
Also provided covid-related medicines/materials to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Laos.
With the vast manufacturing capacity, India will continue to play its role as the “Pharmacy of the world”.
India today is full of opportunities.
Indian Diaspora is a living bridge and can play a very important role in connecting their adopted land with the motherland.
I invite all of you to be the part of the India Growth story.
Grateful to you all for joining us here today.
Jai Hind!
Thank You
*****
MS/RK/DP