President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said that country’s northeastern region is beginning to reap the benefits of the Land-border Crossing Agreement concluded recently with Myanmar.
He said that people of the northeast look forward to the early conclusion of the Motor Vehicles Agreement. “Connectivity initiatives are bringing progress and prosperity to people on both sides of the border,” Kovind said.
“Myanmar is a key partner for India’s “Act East” and “Neighbourhood First” policies. Myanmar is a “natural bridge” from India to Southeast Asia and ASEAN,” said President Kovind while leading delegation level talks with the Myanmar President U Win Myint.
Kovind said India takes pride in its development cooperation partnership with Myanmar and is committed to completing all connectivity
projects.
The port and inland waterway components of the Kaladan project have been built. India also seeks Myanmar’s support to expedite completion of the remaining projects. It is privileged to contribute to capacity development in Myanmar.
President Kovind, commenced his three-day state visit to Myanmar on Tuesday.
The President also met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the State Counsellor of Myanmar, at the Presidential Palace. The two leaders discussed various bilateral and multilateral issues. The President said that India deeply appreciates the reforms underway in Myanmar.
“We understand that this is a particularly challenging time for Myanmar. India is in full support of the objectives of the national peace process,” said Kovind.
The President’s visit also registered signing of two agreements between both India and Myanmar.
India is building 250 houses in Myanmar’s Rakhine province as part of a developmental project. The first batch of 50 houses was formally handed over to the Myanmar authorities on Tuesday.