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India and Myanmar hold talks

Special Correspondent

Discussions on Kaladan project satisfactory: Pranab Mukherjee

— Photo: V.V. Krishnan

Wide ranging discussions: Myanmar Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on Wednesday.

NEW DELHI: India and Myanmar on Wednesday held comprehensive talks to enhance the bilateral ties, particularly in trade and energy. The visiting Foreign Minister of Myanmar U Nyan Win held wide ranging discussions with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Earlier, he called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Emphasising the importance of India’s multi-faceted relations with Myanmar, Dr. Singh expressed his satisfaction at the growing ties 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 Aung San Suu Kyi and various ethnic groups, Dr. Singh pointed out.

The talks with Mr. Mukherjee covered all areas of mutual interest. Mr. Mukherjee expressed satisfaction over the recent conclusion of discussions relating to the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport project, and hoped for its early signing and implementation.

The project envisages construction of roads and waterway links for easy accessibility for Indian goods from the North-Eastern States to the Bay of Bengal through Myanmar.

Both sides noted that the current state of bilateral trade stood at nearly $ 1 billion, and discussed measures to enhance trade, especially through the border trade points. Strengthening of ties in the hydrocarbon sector was reiterated. The two sides noted with satisfaction the growing cooperation at the regional and multi-lateral levels.

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