Myanmar Army Chief calls on President Mukherjee

Myanmar's Vice Senior General Soe Win, who is his country's army chief and deputy commander-in-chief of defence services met President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday.

Welcoming General Win, Mukherjee said: "India-Myanmar bilateral relations have seen accelerated growth and expansion over the last two years. India stands ready to build on this, particularly at a time when Myanmar is engaged in far-reaching political and economic reforms. India has in the last two years sought to extend and broaden defence cooperation with Myanmar."

The President recalled that during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Myanmar in May 2012, both countries had emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation between security forces and border guarding agencies for securing peace, security and stability in the border areas, which is was crucial for overall development.

He expressed appreciation for the fact that in 2012, Myanmar had received all three service chiefs of India.

He also conveyed that India was happy to host the Commander in Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his delegation in August, 2012.

He pointed out that the Indian armed forces have assisted the Myanmar Army in training and capacity building under Government of India's ITEC programme.

Mukherjee expressed confidence that General Win's visit would further strengthen the relations between the two countries.

General Win said that the Myanmar Government was aware of the importance of peace and cooperation on the border and it stands ready to increase its cooperation with India.

He reiterated the assurance made jointly by the Prime Minister and Myanmar President in May 2012 that territories of either country would not be allowed to be used for activities inimical to the other, including for training, sanctuary and other operations by terrorist and insurgent organisations and their operatives.