The Prime Minister has said that India is ready to support efforts for a democratic, stable and prosperous Myanmar. Commending the Myanmar President U Thein Sein for initiating major political reforms, Dr. Manmohan Singh said, people of Myanmar have shown great vision in embarking on a journey of national reconciliation and transition. Dr Singh was addressing a banquet hosted in his honour by the Myanmar President at Nay Pyi Taw yesterday. The Prime Minister said, the talks between India and Myanmar and agreements signed have put in place a roadmap for rapid development of relations between the two countries in the years ahead. Dr. Singh described India and Myanmar as natural partners linked by geography and history and there are many areas where two countries can enhance cooperation for mutual benefits. He also suggested the two countries promote more exchanges among parliamentarians, academics, scientists, artists and intellectuals as there is so much they can rediscover and learn from each other's culture and society.
Twelve agreements and Memoranda of Understanding have been signed by the two countries at Nay Pyi Taw in a number of fields including connectivity, development cooperation, trade and investment, energy, culture and people to people contact. A joint statement by the Ministry of External Affairs has said the two leaders comprehensively reviewed the multifaceted bilateral and expressed satisfaction at the growing economic, trade and cultural ties. The statement said, the two leaders agreed to cooperate in the areas such as border area development, transportation, connectivity, agriculture, trade and investment, promotion of friendly exchanges and human resource development. Our correspondent reports that Dr Manmohan Singh will be reaching Yangon, commercial capital of Myanmar this morning. Aung San Suu Kyi, Member of Parliament and leader of the National League for Democracy will call on the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will also deliver a public address at a function organised by the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry and the Myanmar Development Resource Institute. Dr Singh would also visit the historic Shwedagon Pagoda and the Mazar of the last Mughal Emperor of India, Bahadur Shah Zafar, and would also interact separately with the Indian community in Myanmar. 12 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding have been signed by both the countries at Nay Pyi Taw on wide range of areas including connectivity, development cooperation, trade and investment, power and energy, culture and people to people contact. Both the countries have decided to launch a trans-border bus service from Imphal to Mandalay soon. Myanmar also assured India that it will not allow any anti- India force to use its territory.