(KPL) Fifteen diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are attending a special course being held at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), Ministry of External Affairs of India.

The course has focus on exchange of best practices in diplomacy. It is specifically tailored towards protocol related activities which these diplomats will handle in the coming months, in line with the 2024 ASEAN chairmanship of the Lao PDR. During the programme, their Indian counterparts will share the experience of India’s recent successful hosting of G-20 Summit.

The course will also include modules on Lao-India, India-ASEAN engagement, and study tours to institutions and organisations of importance in India such as Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s Palace) Bharat Mandapam (Venue of G-20 Summit), The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) in Gurugram.

In addition, they will also visit various cultural and heritage sites. They are also joined by Cambodian diplomats.

At the inauguration of the special course by Dean, SSIFS on 27 March 2024, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) of the Embassy of the Lao PDR in New Delhi, Mr. Keo Sengdavong was also present.

The programme aims to improve and strengthen two-way exchange of best practices in diplomacy between the two nations. The programme also underlines the strong civilizational, cultural and diplomatic bonds shared by the Lao PDR and India.

KPL