A HIGH-LEVEL Myanmar delegation led by President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing paid an official visit to India at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Yesterday evening, the President-led delegation departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. The delegation was seen off at the airport by Maharashtra State Government Minister Mr Sawant and state officials, Myanmar Ambassador to India U Zaw Oo, the Myanmar Consul-General in Kolkata and other officials.
The President was accompanied by Union Ministers U Khin Maung Yi, U Tin Maung Swe, Dr Kan Zaw, U Min Naung and Dr Charlie Than, Central Bank of Myanmar Governor Dr Khin Naing Oo, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, deputy ministers, military and civilian officials.
During the visit to India, the President held discussions with the President of India, conducted bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of India, and also met cabinet members of the Indian government, state leaders and representatives of business organizations to discuss matters that benefit both the country and people. Moreover, he visited historic landmark sites and industrial, port and energy project locations, and openly exchanged views on enhancing cooperation between the two governments and peoples in various sectors, including economic, religious, cultural, social and tourism sectors.
On arrival back at the Nay Pyi Taw Airport yesterday evening, the high-level Myanmar delegation led by the President was welcomed home by Vice-President Nan Ni Ni Aye, Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Yi, Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker U Aung Lin Dwe, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services General Ye Win Oo, Union ministers, the Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, the commander of the Nay Pyi Taw Command, officials from the Embassy of the India to Myanmar and the Military Attaché Office.
The relevant officials of India-Myanmar Friendship Association, ethnic children, the band, pompom dance troupes, Indian dance troupes, traditional dance troupes, artistes and residents took positions from the ladder of the aircraft to the VIP lounge of the airport and the roundabout to the Tatmadaw Airport to welcome home the high-level Myanmar delegation led by the President for praising his efforts during the trip to India to grab opportunities of cooperation between the people and businesspersons in enhancement of agriculture, livestock breeding, economic, trade, academic and tourism sectors for the sake of Myanmar.
They honoured the Myanmar delegation with loud cheers and great enthusiasm by holding the vinyl posters bearing “May the friendship between India and Myanmar be long-lasting. May the comprehensive strategic cooperation between India and Myanmar continue to expand across various sectors. We warmly welcome President Min Aung Hlaing for his efforts in strengthening India-Myanmar relations. May India and Myanmar always stand together in friendship. May Myanmar-India cooperation achieve lasting success. Warmly welcome to President Min Aung Hlaing, who has endeavoured for the all-round development of Myanmar, in addition to a heartfelt welcome to the President and delegation, and strengthening India-Myanmar friendship.”
They also waved miniature flags of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and India and chanted, “May Myanmar-India cooperation achieve lasting success. May President Min Aung Hlaing, who is striving for the nation, religion, and faith, be in good health. India-Myanmar friendship is long-lasting and strong. May they be firm and enduring.” They also warmly welcome President Min Aung Hlaing and party with LED boards bearing record photos of the trip of the President and letters ‘‘Warmly welcome, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing.”
On arrival back in Nay Pyi Taw, the President replied to queries raised by media .
The President’s responses to the media were as follows:
My visit was undertaken based on the existing friendship and amity between Myanmar and India. During the trip, I met and held discussions with Indian leaders, including the President and Prime Minister Mr Modi. I also held a separate meeting with the Minister of External Affairs.
We were able to discuss expanding bilateral economic cooperation and investment across various sectors. Agreements were reached on a number of areas, and joint statements were issued. Most importantly, on our part, we need to step up our efforts and focus on production; only then can we further promote trade. As for the remaining requirements, the public will also need to work together and contribute to these efforts.
To achieve these goals, peace and stability are essential. We can accomplish these tasks only when peace and stability prevail. Therefore, concerning the first part of my visit to India, if stakeholders along the Indian border genuinely wish to see the country prosper, they need to cooperate with the State, pursue cooperation through peaceful means, and make a concerted effort. They should reflect on their approaches and work towards the betterment of our country.
Similarly, individuals and organizations in other areas where stability has been affected for various reasons should reconsider their positions in the country’s interest. If they cooperate through peaceful means and, in political terms, in accordance with democratic principles, to work for the betterment of the nation, the country’s progress will not be delayed, and its continued advancement is assured.
Another thing is that schools have opened starting last Monday. With the school opening, if all school-aged children attend school and we dedicate a certain amount of time to strive alongside educational advancement, I expect we will successfully reach our envisioned social goals. I would just like to urge the public to make an effort, to do their work, and to cooperate and collaborate together.
The trip was successful. It was, without doubt, a success. There will naturally be a variety of comments and opinions about it, but many of them have been positive. The trip was well worth the effort invested in it.
At Bodh Gaya, I prayed for the peace and development of the country. I also prayed that the public may make a peaceful living with healthy minds and bodies. Thank you all. — MNA/KTZH/TH
