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India talks to Myanmar on need for political reforms and national reconciliation
7 January, 2008: (frontierindia.net) - H.E. U. Nyan Win, Myanmar Foreign Minister briefed the Indian Prime Minister on the recent internal developments in Myanmar. Emphasizing the importance of our multi-faceted relations with Myanmar, Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction at the growing bilateral relations between the two countries.
He stressed the need for greater urgency in bringing about political reforms and national reconciliation in Myanmar. This process had to be broad based to include all sections of society, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the various ethnic groups in Myanmar.
In his meeting with Indian External Affairs
Minister (EAM), the Foreign Minister of Myanmar conveyed the recent initiatives
taken by the Government of Myanmar on their political reform and national
reconciliation process. EAM stressed the importance of expediting the
implementation of this process and making it inclusive and broad-based. He
reiterated India’s
support to the efforts of UN Special Envoy, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.
The discussions also covered all areas of mutual interest. EAM expressed his satisfaction at the recent conclusion of discussions relating to the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project and hoped for an early signing and implementation of this mutually beneficial project. Both sides noted the current state of bilateral trade at nearly US$ 1 billion and discussed measures to enhance trade, especially through border trade points. The importance of strengthening cooperation in the Hydrocarbon sector was reiterated. Both sides noted with satisfaction at the growing cooperation at the regional and multilateral level, especially keeping in mind India’s Look East Policy and its special focus on CLMV countries.
Myanmar is a close and friendly neighbour, with whom India shares a border of more than 1,600 kms. Myanmar also serves as a gateway to South East Asia. This visit comes in the aftermath of the recent India-Myanmar Foreign Office Consultations in December 2007, and our continuing engagement with Myanmar on the bilateral front.