Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Defence Services meets PM Modi

New Delhi: The Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Defence Services, Senior General U Min Aung Hliang, on Wednesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here.

During the meeting, Senior General U Min Aung Hliang appreciated India's role as a reliable development partner for Myanmar.

He said that Myanmar considers its relationship with India very important, not only as a neighbour, but also as a country with longstanding historical and cultural ties, shared interests and strong people-to-people ties with Myanmar.

He expressed his commitment to deepen defence and security engagement with India, including in the maritime security domain, adding that Myanmar will remain an important platform in support of India's Act East Policy.

He also conveyed the invitation of Myanmar President U Thein Sein to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Myanmar.

Prime Minister Modi said that he looked forward to visiting Myanmar at an early date. The Prime Minister also invited President U Thein Sein to visit India at the earliest.

Sr. Gen. U Min Aung Hliang expressed condolences on behalf of the people and the Government of Union of Myanmar on the passing away of former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's commitment to strengthen the bilateral relationship with Myanmar in all areas, including defence and security. The Prime Minister said that a strong and prosperous Myanmar was in India's interest, and expressed India's support to Myanmar in its endeavours for national development.

Prime Minister Modi said that Myanmar is 'India's gateway to ASEAN', and called for greater connectivity between the two countries and beyond.

The Prime Minister further said that he respects the desire of the people of Myanmar for a transition to a stable multi-party democracy, and conveyed his best wishes for the upcoming elections in Myanmar to be peaceful, free and fair.