New Delhi, February 1 (VNA) – Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari left New Delhi on February 1 for a five-day visit to Brunei and Thailand to strengthen bilateral collaboration with the two southeast Asian countries as well as promoting the country’s “Look East” policy.

During his visit to Brunei from February 1 to 3, the Vice President will hold talks with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on bilateral cooperation in civil aviation, space, trade and investment, and information and communication.

Several memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defence and health cooperation are expected to be signed during the visit.

Cooperation in ASEAN and the East Asia Summit and other multilateral forums will also be on the agenda.

The Vice President is scheduled to deliver a speech at Brunei Darussalam University and meet the local Indian community.

Brunei is an important partner of India in ASEAN and the two-way trade between the two countries stands at 1 billion USD. Brunei hosts a 10,000-strong Indian community.

The Vice President will visit Thailand from February 3 -5.

He will hold talks with Prime Minister Chan-o-cha, and meet with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

He will also deliver a speech at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok entitled “From Look East to Act East: India’s Partnership with Thailand.

VNA/VNP