Ambassador to Laos seeks closer ties with NE
Source: The Sangai Express / TNN
Guwahati, June 08 2016:
Indian ambassador to Laos Ravi Shankar Aisola on Tuesday urged people of the North East to travel to, and explore, the landlocked country.
Aisola, who is currently in the city to watch the 2019 AFC Asian Cup India versus Laos qualifier, told TOI that more cultural and sporting activities were required to bring Laos and the North East closer.
"There is huge potential in tourism between India and Laos.
There are some beautiful places in Laos which need to be explored.
It's an extremely safe place and people are polite.
Food habits are different, but the weather is similar," said Aisola, who has been serving as India's ambassador to Laos since August last year.
"A lot of Indians visit Bangkok and other places in southeast Asia, but they hardly visit Laos, mainly because of lack of knowledge about the place.
I think roadshows in different cities can be of great help in increasing awareness about Laos," Aisola explained.
He added that the country was trying to sign a tourism agreement with India soon.
"We are also in touch with the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and trying to work with travel agents from both countries," said Aisola, who joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1986.On Tuesday afternoon, a delegation featuring Aisola and his counterpart to India, Southam Sakonhninhom, met CM Sarbananda Sonowal.