Shri Shyam Saran, Foreign Secretary, Government of India, reached Myanmar on Sunday for the India-Myanmar Foreign Office Consultations from 3rd to 5th of this month at the invitation of His Excellency U Kyaw Thu, Deputy Foreign Minister of Myanmar. Shri Saran’s delegation includes Mr. R.K. Bhatia, Ambassador of India to Myanmar, Mrs. Mitra Vasisht, Joint Secretary (SEA-1), Ministry of External Affairs and officials of the Indian Embassy in Yangon. The last Foreign Office consultations between India and Myanmar were held in New Delhi in October 2003.
On Monday Shri Saran, called on H.E. Gen. Khin Nyunt, Prime Minister of Myanmar, H.E. U Than Aung, Minister of Education, H.E. U Thaung, Minister for Science & Technology and H.E. Col. Tin Hlaing, Minister for Home Affairs. Discussions focused on bilateral cooperation and issues of common interest. H.E. U Than aung, Minister for Education hosted a luncheon for the Indian Foreign Secretary.
A comprehensive review covering the entire gamut of India-Myanmar relations was carried out during the Foreign Office consultations. The talks were held in the customary atmosphere of cordiality and warmth. Both sides expressed satisfaction that the bilateral relationship had grown in content and scope. They noted that regular high level exchanges between the two sides had strengthened bilateral ties and promoted better understanding of each other’s concerns.
Views were exchanged on regional and international issues of mutual interest. In particular, satisfaction was expressed over the successful conclusion of the first ever BIMST-EC Summit held in Bangkok from July 29-31, 2004. The leaders of the two delegations also expressed satisfaction that India-ASEAN cooperation, particularly under the aegis of IAI, was progressively increasing.
Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation to curb and eradicate terrorist and other illegal activities. Both sides also agreed that they would not allow each other’s territory to be used for activities inimical to their security.
Earlier, on Sunday Shri Saran visited the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Mazar of Bahadur Shah Zafar Mazar. He also visited the Diamond Jubilee Hall at the University of Yangon on Monay and presented books to the Myanmar Education Minister.
(Release ID :4218)