PM Modi, Myanmar Counsellor Suu Kyi Meet In Thailand: Sittwe Port, Border Demarcation Among The Issues Discussed

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi discussed issues relating to the operationalising of the Sittwe port, being built by New Delhi, as well as a section of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and border demarcation.

During the talks on Sunday (3 November) evening, the leaders cordially exchanged views on extending cooperation between the two countries, exchange of high-level visits, continued constructive assistance from India, and ASEAN-India cooperation, based on common interest.

They also discussed other issues including cementing bilateral relations, trade, transport, operation of the Sittwe Port, a sector of Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, demarcation of the remaining part of the common border between Myanmar and India, arriving at a cross-border traffic agreement, upgrading of a female police training school in Yamethin, capacity-building for public servants, and human resources development, said Mizzima, a Myanmar news outlet.

Suu Kyi reaffirmed the importance her Government attached to the partnership with India, and her appreciation of India's consistent and sustained support for the widening of democracy and deepening of development in Myanmar.

The two leaders agreed that a stable and peaceful border was an important anchor for the continued expansion of our partnership.

Prime Minister Modi emphasised the value that India attaches to Myanmar's cooperation in ensuring that insurgent groups do not find space to operate across the India-Myanmar border, said Mizzima.

Modi also emphasised the priority India attaches to Myanmar as a partner at the crossroads of India's Look East Policy and the Neighbourhood First policies. He emphasised India's continuing commitment to improve physical connectivity to and through Myanmar to Southeast Asia, including through building road, port and other infrastructure.

The Sittwe Port in Myanmar, constructed with India's assistance, is part of the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project.

Its objective is to create a multi-modal sea, river and road transport corridor for shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar through the port as well as to the northeastern region of India via Myanmar.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between India and Myanmar on 22 October, 2018 for the operationalisation of the Port.

(With inputs from IANS)