Vientiane (Laos): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Nov 28, 2004) said a long-term partnership agreement with ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) countries would provide a new dimension to India's relations with the grouping.

Final touches are being given to a 'Partnership Agreement' which is expected to be signed in Laos at the third India-ASEAN summit beginning tomorrow (Nov 29, 2004).

The Prime Minister, who arrived here today with a high level delegation to attend the summit said, "This inclusive approach should give added momentum to this partnership between India and ASEAN".

The long-term partnership document would provide a new dimension to India's relations with ASEAN, he said.

The agreement, which sets out the direction of India's ties with the countries of the region in various spheres for the next decade, was discussed at the Ministerial meeting of the Foreign Ministers and the pact is all set to be signed on Tuesday (Nov 30, 2004).

External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh in a statement said, "This landmark document incorporates a plan of action for even more intensive cooperation on political and security issues as well as in the economic, social and cultural fields."

"It is indeed a matter of gratification that a number of new dimensions, such as cooperation in remote sensing, space technology and information technology have been added to our two millennia old cultural, religious and civilisational links," he said.