The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the energy sector is an area of great potential and India and Myanmar should upgrade their cooperation to a comprehensive energy partnership which would include sharing of Indian expertise and capacity building. Addressing business leaders and intellectuals from the both the countries this evening at Yangon, Dr. Singh reiterated that people of India is ready to extend a hand of friendship to support Myanmar’s long term development priorities.
The Prime Minister said that it was need of time for both India and Mynamar to work together and with other countries of their region to build prosperity, promote openness of thought and facilitate trade and movement of goods, people and ideas. He said that Myanmar is critical partner of India’s Look East policy and is perfectly situated to play the role of an economic bridge between India, China and between South and South East Asia. He emphasized for together working of India and Myanmar to create a regional economy that can become a hub for trade, investment and communication.
Expressing his satisfaction over his three day state visit to Myanmar the Prime Minister said that both the countries also need to expand their security cooperation that is not only vital to maintain peace along their land borders but also protect maritime trade.
Earlier the Prime Minister met the leader of the opposition and leader of the National League for Democracy Aung San Suu Kyi. After having a forty minutes meeting with democracy crusader Suu Kyi at Yangon, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said she will play a defining role in the process of national reconciliation in Myanmar.
The Prime Minister handed over UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's invitation to Suu Kyi to visit India and deliver the next Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Lecture.
Before leaving for New Delhi Dr. Manmohan Singh visited Buddhist pilgrimage Shwedagon Pagoda and offered a 16 feet replica of the Sarnath Buddha. He also visited Mazar of last Indian Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh left Yangon this evening for New Delhi after concluding his three day successful state visit to Myanmar. The Chief Minister of Yangon U Myint was present at Yangon International Airport to give him ceremonial farewell.
The Prime Minister had initiated his visit from Nay Pyi Taw new capital of Myanmar having discussions with President U Thein Sein on several bilateral, regional and issues of common interests. A total of 12 agreements and Memorandum of Understanding MoUs were signed between both the countries during visit of the Prime Minister
