New Delhi: Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met  Cambodian lieutenant general Hun Manet here and exchanged views on the geopolitical situation and regional challenges.

" Exchanged views on geopolitical situation&regional challenges.Agreed on the need for independent minded nations to cooperate closely," Jaishankar tweeted. "Discussed possibilities in defence& security,connectivity and digital delivery," he said.

Lieutenant General Hun Manet, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of Royal Cambodian Army along with a delegation is visiting India from Feb 2 to 4.

This is the maiden visit by any Commander of Royal Cambodian Army and is a milestone in Army to Army relations between both countries.

On 3 February 2023, the General Officer commenced the visit by paying tributes to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed Forces by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial.

He called on Giridhar Aramane, Defence Secretary and was briefed on Indian indigenous defence equipment manufacturing eco-system by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) and the Army Design Bureau.

Later in the day, the visiting General Officer was accorded a Ceremonial reception and Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns after which he called on General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff. During the meeting, General Manoj Pande, COAS reaffirmed India’s support to Cambodia by offering customised training modules for the Royal Cambodian Army and Lt Gen Hun Manet announced the schedule for the conduct of first Army to Army Staff Talks in Cambodia.

The Indian Army will be conducting tailor made courses in various contemporary subjects at its premier training establishments and deploy a Training team to Cambodia. Both Chiefs signed the ‘Terms of Reference’ for Staff Talks and exchanged customised training folders.

On 04 February 2023, Lt Gen Hun Manet is scheduled to visit Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre Delhi Cantt, where he will witness the training of Agniveers and a display of indigenous defence equipment.

He is also scheduled to call-on General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff prior to his departure from New Delhi.