New Delhi: Marking a new dimension in their bilateral ties, India and Myanmar today (Oct 25, 2004) signed three accords including one on non-traditional security issues and agreed to step up cooperation in trade, economy and other key areas.

A Cultural Exchange Programme for 2004-06 and another MoU on the Tamanthi Hydroelectric Project in Myanmar were inked in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and visiting Myanmar's top leader Than Shwe after the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on a host of bilateral, regional and international issues.

The visit by Senior General Than, Chairman of the all powerful State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), is the first by the Head of State from Myanmar to India in 24 years.

New Delhi views the visit as historic as it is also the first Head of State-Head of Government level interaction in 17 years and is expected to contribute significantly in further consolidating and expanding bilateral relations.

Than is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising several Cabinet Ministers who include those looking after industry, energy, rail transportation, communications, science and technology and health.