Kuala Lumpur: Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, met Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn in Kuala Lumpur during the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM), with discussions covering development partnership, heritage preservation, and anti-terrorism cooperation.

Margherita expressed India’s appreciation for Cambodia’s continued support in its global fight against terrorism, while also recounting outcomes from his recent visit to Cambodia. Both leaders reiterated commitment to sustaining the long-standing civilisational connect between the two nations.

The MoS also held bilateral talks with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, commending his efforts in implementing regional commitments under the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Margherita had productive engagements with the foreign ministers of Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In his meeting with Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa P. Lazaro, the two leaders celebrated 75 years of diplomatic ties and agreed to deepen cooperation in key sectors.

On July 10, Margherita co-chaired the ASEAN-India FMM with Philippines’ foreign secretary, where the adoption of the new Plan of Action was announced. The meeting, held during the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, also focused on strengthening people-to-people links.