ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn Embarks on First Official Visit to India, Strengthening Bilateral Ties

New Delhi:  Randhir Jaiswal, the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs in India, has extended a warm welcome to Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), on his inaugural official visit to India.

Jaiswal took to Twitter to express his excitement, stating, “A warm welcome to @ASEAN Secretary-General @hourn_kao on his first official visit to India. An opportunity to further strengthen India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

At the invitation of the Government of India, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn has arrived India on an official visit from February 11 to 15, 2024. This marks his first official visit to India since assuming the role of ASEAN Secretary-General in January 2023.

During his visit, Dr. Kao is scheduled to engage in high-level discussions with Indian officials, including the External Affairs Minister, to explore avenues for deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and ASEAN. The discussions will cover various aspects, including economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and regional security matters.

One of the key highlights of the visit is Dr. Kao’s participation in the Sapru House Lecture organized by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). The lecture, titled “The ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the Evolving Regional Architecture,” underscores the commitment to enhancing the multifaceted ties between the two regions.

As part of his itinerary, the ASEAN Secretary-General will visit the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. During his visit, Dr. Kao is expected to address the importance of ASEAN’s relevance and resilience in the evolving strategic environment. Another notable event on his agenda includes delivering a speech at Nalanda University in Rajgir on “The Future of ASEAN.”

India’s engagement with ASEAN is a pivotal aspect of its Act East Policy, which has been in effect for a decade as of 2024, and aligns with its vision for the broader Indo-Pacific region. In 2022, the relationship between ASEAN and India was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signifying a commitment to deeper collaboration.

India strongly supports ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Additionally, the nation stands behind the priorities set by Lao PDR during its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, focusing on “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.”

The visit of ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn is anticipated to strengthen diplomatic ties, foster greater regional cooperation, and contribute to the shared objectives of India and the ASEAN community.