Negotiations on regional comprehensive economic partnership are being launched in the East Asia summit, EAS that is in progress in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Our correspondent covering the summit reports Maritime security will figure prominently in the Summit. This issue was strongly taken up by ASEAN leaders in the ASEAN summit. Ten Southeast Asian nations have agreed on a code of conduct to Prevent armed clashes over the South China Sea. The code spells out rules governing maritime rights and navigation in the Sea. India favours a code of conduct in the sea lanes to ensure peace and Security. EAS will also
discuss cooperation in energy, education and disaster management apart
from other regional and international issues.
Ahead of the East Asia Summit, Prime Minister met the Prime Minister Noda of Japan at the 'Peace Palace in Phnom Penh. He informed Dr. Singh, Japan will announce 2.26 billion dollar loans under Official Development Assistance for the second phase of the Delhi Mumbai Rail Corridor project. In the course of the discussion, PM Noda also
mentioned Japanese interest in continuing the consultation on the high
speed railways .Official sources said Dr.Singh and PM Noda had a discussion on regional and international issues during the Gala Dinner hosted by Cambodian Prime Minister last night. The discussions today also, focused on bilateral issues. The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is leaving for home this evening after a three day successful visit to Cambodia. During his stay in Phnom Penh he held a series of meetings with the ASEAN leaders and its dialogue partners. A host of issues came up for discussion including intensifying economic engagement, strengthening connectivity and maritime security particularly in the South China Sea. Terrorism, investment in infrastructure sector in India, piracy also came up for review in the bilateral meetings. In his address to the India -ASEAN summit he advocated to create a cohesive South Asian community. Dr. Singh described ASEAN grouping as an important economic and strategic partner. Prime Minister unveiled India’s vision for South Asia in his remarks in the East Asia summit. Among his bilateral meetings, the focus remained on his meeting with the Chinese premier Wen Jaibo. While the Prime Minister urged the Chinese leader to address the trade balance which is heavily loaded in favour of China, Mr.Wen assured of addressing the issue. Opening up of IT, Pharma sectors also came up for discussion.