Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing review bilateral relations and explore new avenues of cooperation….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday, with both leaders discussing ways to deepen cooperation across a range of sectors, including trade, technology, economic engagement and people to people exchanges.
The meeting formed the centrepiece of President Hlaing’s five day visit to India, his first since assuming office, and comes as the two neighbouring countries seek to further strengthen longstanding ties.
The leaders reviewed the state of bilateral relations and explored avenues for expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Discussions were also expected to cover regional issues and connectivity initiatives aimed at enhancing engagement between the two countries.
Later in the day, President Hlaing is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He will also visit “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One”, an international exhibition at the Raipithora cultural complex in Delhi showcasing the sacred Piprahwa relics associated with Lord Buddha.
Ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Modi, the Myanmar President held discussions with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Sunday, focusing on security cooperation and bilateral relations.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also called on President Hlaing during the weekend and expressed confidence that the visit would help advance cooperation between the two countries.
“Appreciate his positive sentiment towards deepening our longstanding bilateral cooperation,” Jaishankar said after the meeting, adding that he looked forward to the Myanmar leader’s talks with Prime Minister Modi.
President Hlaing arrived in New Delhi on Saturday and was received at the airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. Welcoming the visiting leader, Singh said the visit reflected the enduring civilisational, cultural and people to people links between India and Myanmar and offered an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation across diverse sectors.
The Myanmar President began his India visit from Gaya in Bihar, where the Ministry of External Affairs said the trip highlighted the strong spiritual, historical and cultural ties shared by the two nations.
President Hlaing is accompanied by a high level delegation comprising cabinet ministers, senior government officials and business leaders. During his visit, he is also expected to participate in a business forum aimed at enhancing economic engagement between the two countries.
On June 2, the Myanmar leader will travel to Mumbai for interactions with industry representatives and business leaders, along with site visits aimed at exploring opportunities for greater economic cooperation.
