Aizawl, 9 March (Zoram News): The visiting ambassadors representing six ASEAN countries - Laos, Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam had formally called on Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai at Raj Bhavan this afternoon. After a formal interaction, the governor had hosted luncheon for these visiting top foreign officials at the Banquet Hall, Raj Bhavan.On behalf of the people of Mizoram, the Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai along with Lady Governor Reetha Sreedharan had expressed their gratitude and appreciation to their guests for visiting the state and experiencing the one-week interaction with the locals. Governor also believes that the visit will bring closer ties between India and the ASEAN countries and more importantly, bigger activities at the border trade centres in the eastern side of Mizoram. All the Ambassadors took their turn to share their experiences during their stay in Mizoram with the Governor during the interaction. They had expressed the trip as culturally enriching experience and also extremely important in the context of trade viabilities as they considered Mizoram state to be India’s frontline state for Trade with the ASEAN countries. More cultural exchanges, trade opportunities, Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Programme and other important topics were also discussed at this meeting.
During their official visit to the state, the ASEAN ambassadors had met Chief Minister Pu Zoramthanga, held discussion with Chief Secretary Pu Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and other senior officials, visited Indo-Myanmar border area in Champhai District and also participated at the Chapchar Kut Festival 2020. Initially, the team consists of seven ambassadors including H.E. Mr Ramon S. Batagsing Jr, Ambassador to Philippines who had left for New Delhi on 7 March. The team of Ambassadors meeting the Governor today were led by H.E. Mr Bounneme Chouanghom, Laos’ Ambassador to India. The other ambassadors from ASEAN countries were namely – HE Mr Moe Kyaw Aung, Ambassador of Myanmar, HE Dato Paduka Sidek Ali, Ambassador of Brunei, HE Mr Ung Sean, Ambassador of Cambodia, HE Mr Sidharo Reza Suryodipuro, Ambassador of Indonesia and HE Mr Pham Sanh Chau, Ambassador of Vietnam.