Mumbai, June 20: Prime Minister of Laos Bounnhang Vorachit has advocated closer ties with India and sought cooperation in various fields. Stating that his country shared very good relations with India in the past, Vorachit, speaking at a dinner hosted by the Governor Mohammad Fazal last night, sought India's cooperation in various fields, including science and technology, a Raj Bhavan release said.

Vorachit, accompanied by his cabinet colleagues, including finance, agriculture and foreign affairs ministers, expressed hope that relations between the two countries would be further strengthened in the coming years.

Welcoming the visiting Prime Minister, Fazal said there was considerable scope for cooperation between the two countries in many areas.

He said Maharashtra has made good progress in terms of industry and education and has a large pool of trained manpower.

State Protocol Minister Ashok Chavan, Advocate-General G E Vahanvaty, sheriff of Mumbai Kiran Shantaram, noted actress Rakhi Gulzar and Lokayukta V P Tipnis were also present.

Bureau Report