Your Excellency, Prime Minister and my friend Anwar Ibrahim,

Your Majesty,

Excellencies,

Namaskar.

I am delighted to have had the opportunity once again to join my ASEAN family.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the successful chairmanship of ASEAN. I thank President Marcos of the Philippines for efficiently fulfilling the role of India’s country coordinator. And I warmly welcome Timor-Leste as the newest member of ASEAN.

On behalf of the people of India, I convey my deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Thailand on the passing of the Queen Mother.

Friends,

India and ASEAN together represent nearly one-fourth of world’s population. We not only share geography; we are also bound by deep historical ties and shared values.

W

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