Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Myanmar’s state counsellor, Aung San Suu Kyi, after which the two leaders issued a joint statement to the media. PM Modi said that the two countries had same security concerns and it was important for them to work together. On the other hand, Suu Kyi said that “together we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take roots in our country, on our soil or in neighbouring countries.”
Speaking on the violence in Rakhine, PM Modi said, “We share your concerns about extremist violence in Rakhine state and the violence against security forces and also how innocent lives have been affected. We hope that all stakeholders together can find a way out in which unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar is respected.”
He also announced that Myanmar citizens, who wish to visit India, will be given gratis visas, and forty Myanmarese citizens in Indian jails will be released.
He added that the partnership between India and Myanmar in spheres of health, education and research will ensure that development turns into happiness.
India and Myanmar signed seven MoUs and announced a Cultural Exchange Programme for the period 2017 – 2020.
