Remarks by H.E Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of Inter-Ministerial Organizing Committee for the 2nd ASEAN-India Car Rally 2012

Remarks
by
H.E Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of Inter-Ministerial Organizing Committee for the 2nd ASEAN-India Car Rally 2012
At the Welcome Dinner of ASEAN-India Car Rally 2012

Siem Reap 4rd December 2012

• - H.E Mr. Denish K. Patnike, Ambassador of the Republic of India to Cambodia
• - H.E Sam Prumnea, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Tourism
• - H.E Bun Tharith, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Province
• - Distinguished delegates, national and international media, ladies and gentlemen:

In this wonderful dinner gathering, it truly gives me a great pleasure and honor, on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia and the Inter-Ministerial Organizing Committee for the 2nd ASEAN-India Car Rally 2012, to extend my sincere thanks and warm welcomes to all delegates of the 2nd ASEAN-India Car Rally 2012 to Siem Reap-Angkor, Home of the World Heritage and the Cultural City of East Asia 2012.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, I would like to extend my sincere appreciations and thanks to the Government of India, for its great initiative for the ASEAN-India Car Rally, the Ministry of External Affairs of India, the Confederation of Indian Industry for jointly organizing this event and all ASEAN member states for their strong support and cooperation to make this event successfully happened.  My thanks also go to the authorities of Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces and all stakeholders for good cooperation and facilitation of all forms to enhance possible access and the smooth process of rally to Cambodia.

- Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen

Through the ASEAN Summit and the 10th ASEAN-India Summit, successfully chaired by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in November 2012, it can be noted with satisfaction the significant achievements made in the ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations over the past twenty years.

It is remarkable to highlight that 2012 marks dual significant milestones, as a year of the twin celebrations of the 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations and the 10th Anniversary of the ASEAN-India Summit, and the celebration of the 2nd ASEAN-India Car Rally 2012, aimed at demonstrating the close civilization links with ASEAN countries, create public awareness, promote connectivity, and enhance trade, investment, tourism and people to people links between ASEAN and India region.

In this connection, the 2nd ASEAN-India Car Rally 2012 is an important step to advance our cooperation in tourism and to promote the increase of tourist arrivals from India to ASEAN and vice versa. I hope that through this event, the cooperation in various sectors such as agriculture, environment, trade, culture, tourism and connectivity cooperation between ASEAN and India will be further enhanced and expanded rapidly so as to attract more tourists and investors to the region, particularly to Cambodia.
Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder and Siem Reap-Angkor awaits welcoming all visitors from India, as well as the whole region and the world.

Before concluding my remarks, I wish Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen be healthy, happy, and success.

Once again, thank you so much, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen for joining us tonight. Please enjoy your dinner and have a pleasant stay and safe trip during your travel in Cambodia, to Vietnam, ASEAN countries and India.

Please join me a toast to congratulate the 2nd ASEAN-India Car Rally 2012 to Cambodia! Cheer…!

Thank you.