Looking forward to meeting leaders during 3-country visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he was looking forward to meeting international leaders during the ASEAN, East Asia Summit and G-20 which he will be attending during his visit to three countries--Myanmar, Australia and Fiji--from November 11 to 19.

Terming his visit to Australia as "special and historic" that was taking place after 28 years by any Indian Prime Minister, Modi tweeted, "In Australia I will meet the country's top leadership and am honoured to have been given an opportunity to address the Australian Parliament."

He said, "Starting 11th November I would be travelling to Myanmar, Australia and Fiji to participate in various summits & bilateral meetings. In Myanmar I will attend 2 key multilateral summits -ASEAN & East Asia Summits. Looking forward to meeting leaders attending these Summits."

The Prime Minister said, "Our ties with South East Asia are deep rooted. Strengthening relations with ASEAN nations is an important part of our 'Act East' policy. ASEAN is central to our dream of an Asian century, where India will play a crucial role. I am sure the meetings there would be fruitful."

Describing Myanmar as a "valued friend", Modi said he will have bilateral meetings with leaders of Myanmar and emphasised that having stronger relations with Myanmar was a priority area for India.

On G-20 Summit, the Prime Minister said it was a great platform to showcase opportunities India has to offer to the world. "I look forward to working with G-20 leaders on important issues concerning the world, particularly those relating to the global economy," he tweeted.

On Australia leg, Modi said that he was eagerly looking forward to interacting with the Indian community in Australia.

"Cricket is a shared passion of Australia and India. I thank Prime Minister Tony Abbott for hosting me at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Both Australia & India fought shoulder to shoulder during WW1. I would be visiting the War Memorial with PM Tony Abbott" the Prime Minister added.