Friday, March 25 2005 15:56 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Yangon: Describing Myanmar as a valuable neighbour and strategic partner, External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh today (Mar 25, 2005) said India sought a "long-term partnership" with it for bilateral and regional development, progress and stability.

On his first visit to Myanmar after a gap of 18 years, Singh held wide-ranging discussions with his counterpart U Nyan Win covering cross-border infrastructure development projects and energy cooperation.

Singh, who will call on the head of State and Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) Senior General Than Shwe tomorrow, said his talks with Win were "constructive."

The External Affairs Minister said India sought a "long-term partnership" with Myanmar, which is a valuable neighbour and strategic partner, for bilateral and regional development, progress and stability.

He also raised the question of interests of Indian companies in both onshore and offshore blocks.

While Indian companies are already engaged in offshore activities following invitation from Myanmar, there has been "some hitch" of such participation in onshore blocks. This is being sorted out, the Indian Embassy sources said.

Asked whether New Delhi's concerns over North East insurgents operating from Myanmar were raised, the sources said dialogue in this regard was moving forward positively and in a sustained manner, and the two sides were talking about drafting further measures.

During the landmark State visit of Than Shwe to India in October last year, Myanmar side had reiterated that it would not allow insurgent activities against India from its soil.

Both sides had then agreed that maintenance of peace and security along the border areas was an essential pre-requisite for successful implementation of cross-border projects and bringing about economic prosperity in the region.

On the issue of democracy, the sources said India was watching with interest developments in Myanmar and its implementation of seven-step roadmap.

The Indian side reiterated the need for an "inclusive and broad-based approach" for national reconciliation and early transition to democracy in Myanmar.

During the delegation-level talks, Singh stressed that India attached "very high priority to Myanmar as a valuable and strategic partner," Indian Ambassador R K Bhatia told reporters.

The Minister said relations between India and Myanmar have grown considerably in scope and content.

Underlining the importance of the historic visit of Than Shwe, Singh said follow up action on decisions taken then were moving "very satisfactorily".

Terming economic cooperation as a key pillar of India-Mayanmar relationship, he spoke of the immense potential that existed to substantially increase bilateral trade.

The Joint Committee on trade will be meeting in New Delhi, dates for which are being worked out.

Singh also emphasised the importance of the proposed India-Myanmar-Bangladesh gas pipeline.

He said India valued Myanmar's support for its growing integration with ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) region and appreciated its full backing for New Delhi's bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Bhatia said the discussions covered the Kaladan-Multi-Modal Transport project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway as also the Tamanthi Hydro Electric Power Project and cooperation in tele-communications.

Bhatia said both sides echoed shared satisfaction over growth and consolidation of the relationship.

Singh also briefed the Myanmar Foreign Minister on India's relations with China, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

The Minister will also meet Prime Minister Lt Gen Soe Win.

He is slated to fly to Mandalay tomorrow for a day's visit during which he will interact with the local Indian community. He will return to India via Singapore on Sunday night.