The President of India, Droupadi Murmu received HM Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, the King of Cambodia at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 30. She also hosted a banquet in his honour.

Welcoming King Sihamoni on his first visit to India, the President said that his visit demonstrates the importance that Cambodia attaches to its ties with India. She said that India and Cambodia share a rich and vibrant relationship. We value our shared history, and consider Cambodia as our civilizational sister country.

The President noted that there is great potential for further growth in trade and investment between India and Cambodia. She said that India is keen to further elevate its defence relations with Cambodia. She also emphasised the need to make efforts to increase tourism and people-to-people contact for further elevating bilateral relations between the two countries.

The President said that India in its presidency of G-20 has been spearheading the interest of developing countries of the Global South. She appreciated the participation of Prime Minister Hun Sen in the inaugural session of the Voice of Global South Summit in February this year. She congratulated Cambodia for successfully completing the Chairmanship of ASEAN last year.

Subsequently, in her banquet speech, the President said that India is privileged to partner Cambodia on its quest for nation-building through capacity building, development of human resources, and providing assistance for socio-economic projects. She said that India is a believer in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means The World Is One Family.

She added that the multifaceted ties between India and Cambodia, and the august presence of His Majesty at Rashtrapati Bhavan with us today, are beautiful expressions of this age-old concept. They assured that all possible support will be extended to the projects under NICDIT for early implementation on the ground.

The meeting proved to be a valuable platform for key stakeholders to discuss and exchange ideas on the progress, challenges, and future strategies related to the National Industrial Corridor Development Program. It presented an opportunity to align efforts, foster collaboration, and accelerate the development of industrial infrastructure across the country.

Further steps to be taken into consideration for the advancement of the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme were the main points of discussion during the meeting of Apex Authority. The National Industrial Corridor Development Program aims to establish a network of industrial corridors that will serve as engines of economic growth, promote industrialization, and create employment opportunities across India.

The program focuses on developing world-class infrastructure, attracting investments, and fostering sustainable industrial development.