“Bilateral relations between India and Myanmar have seen accelerated growth and expansion over the past two years and India stands ready to build on this,” said President Pranab Mukherjee during an interaction with Vice Senior General Soe Win, Chief of Myanmar Army and Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Defence Services of Myanmar who had called on him at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday.
Mr. Mukherjee said India has in the last two years sought to extend and broaden defence cooperation with Myanmar, and is willing to expand the scope of bilateral ties particularly at a time when Myanmar is engaged in far-reaching political and economic reforms.
The President recalled that during the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Myanmar in May 2012, both countries had emphasised the need for enhanced cooperation between security forces and border guarding agencies for securing peace, security and stability in the border areas, which is was crucial for overall development.
The President expressed confidence that the Vice Senior General’s visit would further strengthen the relations between the two countries.
Responding to the President, the Vice Senior General said that the Myanmar Government was aware of the importance of peace and cooperation on the border and it stands ready to increase its cooperation with India. He reiterated the assurance made jointly by the Prime Minister and Myanmar President in May 2012 that territories of either country would not be allowed to be used for activities inimical to the other, including for training, sanctuary and other operations by terrorist and insurgent organisations and their operatives.
