Vivian reaffirms ties with Lao leaders

Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, in his introductory visit to Vientiane yesterday, reaffirmed warm and long-standing bilateral ties with Lao leaders, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith also expressed appreciation for Singapore volunteers in Laos. Dr Balakrishnan and his counterpart witnessed the signing of the codeshare agreement between SilkAir and Lao Airlines after their meeting, according to the statement.

India orders 4 maritime spy planes from Boeing

NEW DELHI • India has signed a contract to buy four maritime spy planes from Boeing for about US$1 billion (S$1.4 billion), aiming to bolster the navy as it tries to check China's presence in the Indian Ocean.

India has already deployed eight of the long-range P-8I aircraft to track submarine movements in the Indian Ocean and yesterday exercised an option for four more, said two defence ministry officials and an industry source.

REUTERS