Myanmar’s top leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is on her first official visit to New Delhi after coming to power as State Counsellor, on Tuesday met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and gave her a wish list seeking assistance in the areas of agriculture, capacity building, job creation, infrastructure and health care for her country.
Suu Kyi arrived in Delhi on a State visit from Goa after attending the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet. During her talks with Swaraj, Suu Kyi also sought India’s support to Myanmar’s agenda of national reconciliation, socio-economic development and strengthening democracy.
Suu Kyi added her country has to go about the process of transition in a cautious manner and Myanmar seeks cooperation and support of India, as its people look forward to progress and change for the betterment of their lives. According to sources, Swaraj offered all possible assistance from the Indian side in keeping with the priorities outlined by Suu Kyi.
EAM also conveyed condolences at the recent terrorist attacks in Rakhine State of Myanmar, in which many Myanmar police and army personnel died, and at the loss of lives in the recent ferry accident on the Chindwin river.
Suu Kyi later called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The President congratulated Suu Kyi on her party's victory in the general elections held in Myanmar last year and complimented her on the role that she has played in Myanmar's path to democracy. Recalling his discussions during the visit of Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw to India in August, Mukherjee conveyed India's whole-hearted support for the Myanmar Government in its efforts to live up to the expectations of the people of Myanmar.
President also referred to India’s rich experience in building a federal nation state, taking into account the ethnic and linguistic diversity of its people and offered any assistance desired by Myanmar in this regard. President added India will soon commence work on restoring two old temples and inscriptions of King Mindon and Bay Gyi Daw in Bodh Gaya. This task will be undertaken by the ASI with financial support from India.