Hor Namhong discusses Indian highway plan with new envoy [A highway that links Cambodia to India]

Foreign Minister Hor Namhong and India's incoming Ambassor Dinesh K. Patnaik

PHNOM PENH (Cambodia Herald) - Foreign Minister Hor Namhong met India's incoming ambassador Tuesday and discussed two highway projects that would link India and Cambodia, a spokesman said.

Koy Kuong, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said Hor Namhong congratulated Ambassador Dinesh Patnaik on his appointment and expressed hope that bilateral ties would deepen.

He said the road projects discussed were the expansion of old highway from India to Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, and the construction of a new highway from India to Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.


Hor Namhong requested a meeting of public works and transport ministers to discuss the projects and also called for a meeting of Mekong foreign ministers in New Delhi this year, the spokesman added.

Koy Kuong said Hor Namhong thanked India for its aid to Cambodia, especially restoring Ta Prohm temple. He said that Indian investment to Cambodia was $86 million in 2011 while more than 15,000 tourists visited the country last year.

Patnaik vowed to boost Indian investment in Cambodia, especially in the tourism and agriculture sectors