Vice President Hamid Ansari arrived here today to hold talks with Brunei's top leadership on key issues like stepping up trade and investment during his three-day visit, the first high-level trip from India since the establishment of diplomatic ties.
Ansari, who arrived here on the first leg of his five-day, two-nation visit to Brunei Darussalam and Thailand, was received at the Brunei International Airport by Finance Minister Abdul Rehman.
His visit to Brunei is at the invitation of crown prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and is the first high-level trip from India since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in May 1984.
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Brunei was on the itinerary of Ansari's two-nation trip in November but he had to return home from Indonesia after spewing of ash from a volcano.
The Vice President is accompanied by his wife Salma, Minister of State for Home Affairs Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary, MPs Rajeev Shukla, Anu Aga, Bhupendra Yadav and Prem Das Rai along with senior officials.
In Bandar Seri Begawan, Ansari will hold talks with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Billah tomorrow on issues of bilateral and multilateral significance including cooperation in civil aviation, space, trade and investment, hydrocarbons, information and communication.
He will also call on Haji Mohammad Taib, Speaker of the State Legislative Council.
Billah and crown princess Sarah will host a luncheon in Ansari's honour tomorrow.
Cooperation in ASEAN and East Asia Summit and other multilateral fora will also be on the agenda and three MoUs on health, defence cooperation and youth affairs and sports will be signed during Ansari's visit.
Ansari will address the Indian community at a reception tomorrow and deliver a speech at the University of Brunei Darussalam on February 3 before leaving for Thailand.
Brunei is an important partner for India in ASEAN and besides contributing to energy security, hosts a 10,000-strong Indian community.
From Brunei, Ansari will go to Thailand on February 3 at the invitation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, making it the first visit by an Indian Vice President after a gap of 50 years. He will return to Delhi on February 5.
