Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will leave for Phnom Penh on a three-day visit to Cambodia this morning to attend the ASEAN and East Asia Summits. Strengthening maritime security and enhancing trade will figure prominently during the discussions between Dr. Singh and ASEAN leaders. He is expected to pitch for increased trade and investment in India.

In a bid to increase trade volume, India and ASEAN are holding negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement in Services and Investment. The Prime Minister, who is accompanied by a high level delegation including Commerce Minister Anand Sharma, will discuss maritime security in wake of the growing threat posed by piracy.

The East Asia Summit, another important event, will discuss cooperation in energy, education, disaster management and pandemics apart from other regional and international issues during the retreat session of the summit.

AIR correspondent covering the Prime Minister’s visit repots Dr Singh is slated to meet several heads of the governments including China, Russia and some ASEAN countries.