September 6,
2017
Following is the
full text of the joint statement issued on the State Visit of Indian Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Myanmar.
1. At the
invitation of H.E. U Htin Kyaw, President of the Republic of the Union of
Myanmar, Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, is paying
his first bilateral State visit to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar from
5th to 7th September 2017. The visit is part of the continuing high level
interaction between the leaders of the two countries and follows successive
State visits to India last year by H.E. President U Htin Kyaw and H.E. State
Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
2. Prime
Minister Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace in
Nay Pyi Taw on 5th September 2017. He paid a courtesy call on the President of
Myanmar, who hosted a State Banquet in his honour. On 6th September 2017, the
Indian delegation led by Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with the
Myanmar delegation led by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The talks were
held in a warm, cordial and constructive atmosphere as befits the close and
friendly relations between the two countries. Thereafter, the State Counsellor
and the Indian Prime Minister witnessed the signing and exchange of various
documents between Myanmar and India in the areas of health, culture, capacity
building, maritime security and collaboration between key institutions and held
a Joint Press Conference.
3. Apart from
his official engagements in Nay Pyi Taw, Prime Minister Modi will visit places
of historical and cultural importance at Bagan and Yangon. In Bagan, he will
visit the holy and historic Ananda Temple, where restoration work is being
carried out by Indian and Myanmar archaeologists under the expert guidance of
the Archaeological Survey of India. In Yangon, he will pay his respects to the
memory of General Aung San at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum and also visit the Bogyoke
Aung San Museum as well as other prominent sites. He will interact with the
Indian origin and expatriate Indian community of Myanmar during his stay in
Yangon.
4. During the
talks, the two leaders reviewed developments since the very successful State
visits of the President and the State Counsellor of Myanmar to India in August
and October 2016 respectively. They reviewed ongoing official exchanges,
economic, trade and cultural ties, as well as people-to-people exchanges that
reflect the harmony between Myanmar’s independent, active and non-aligned
foreign policy and India’s pragmatic Act East and Neighbourhood First policies.
They pledged to pursue new opportunities to further deepen and broaden
bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries.
They reaffirmed their common aspirations for peace, collective prosperity and
development of the region and beyond.
5. The Prime
Minister of India appreciated the measures taken by the Government of Myanmar
towards peace and national reconciliation and commended the on-going peace
process of the Government of Myanmar. He noted that peace and stability in
Myanmar are of the highest priority to India and reiterated India’s continued
support to the Government of Myanmar in consolidating democratic institutions
in Myanmar and for the emergence of a democratic Federal Republic.
6. The two
leaders discussed the security situation prevailing along their borders and
expressed concern at various incidents of terrorism and extremist-inspired
violence that have taken place in their respective territories. Recognizing
that terrorism remains one of the most significant threats to peace and
stability in the region, both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and
manifestations and agreed that the fight against terrorism should target not
only terrorists, terror organisations and networks, but also identify, and take
strong measure accountable hold against any States and entities that encourage,
support or finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror
groups, and falsely extol their virtues. Myanmar condemned the recent barbaric
terror attacks during the Amarnath Yatra in India as also various acts of
terror perpetrated by terrorists from across the borders. India condemned the
recent terrorist attacks in northern Rakhine State, wherein several members of
the Myanmar security forces lost their lives. Both sides agreed that terrorism
violates human rights and there should, therefore, be no glorification of
terrorists as martyrs. They called on the international community to end
selective and partial approaches to combating terrorism and, in this regard,
jointly called for the expeditious finalization and adoption of a Comprehensive
Convention on International Terrorism by the United Nations General Assembly.
7. Recognising
that maintenance of security and stability along the common border is essential
for the socio-economic development of the peoples of the border areas, Myanmar
reaffirmed its respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India
and steadfastly upheld the policy of not allowing any insurgent group to utilise
Myanmar’s soil to undertake hostile acts against the Indian Government. Myanmar
also appreciated Government of India for upholding the same principle.
8. Both sides
reiterated their mutual respect for the already demarcated boundary between the
two countries and emphasised the need to resolve outstanding boundary
demarcation issues as fast as possible through existing bilateral mechanisms
and consultations.
9. Both sides
reviewed the security situation in their immediate neighborhood and agreed upon
the special need for enhancing closer bilateral cooperation in maritime
security. They also agreed to foster mutually beneficial and deeper defence
cooperation between the two countries and, in this context, noted with
satisfaction the recent successful visit of the Commander-in-Chief of the
Defence Forces of Myanmar to India. Besides institutionalized cooperation
through regular coordinated patrolling initiatives, they agreed to focus on
bilateral maritime cooperation in non-traditional security domains, such as
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, which are critical for
safeguarding the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean as global commons.
10. Both sides
pledged that Myanmar and India will maintain the already-achieved mutual
understanding and growing bilateral relations between the two countries and
that they will stand by each other as good and trustworthy neighbours in the
years ahead in the interest of both peoples and the region.
11. The two
sides noted with satisfaction the continued exchange of high-level visits that
has fostered better mutual understanding of outstanding bilateral issues. They
appreciated the regular holding of sector specific institutional mechanisms in
the areas of security and defence, trade and commerce, power and energy, border
management and connectivity etc. for effective follow-up of decisions taken at
the highest political levels. They also noted with pleasure the excellent
exchanges between Indian and Myanmar Parliamentarians and encouraged them to
further enhance such interaction.
12. The Myanmar
side expressed its heartfelt appreciation to Government of India for all the
assistance rendered to Myanmar in support of its endeavour for socio-economic
development. Both sides reviewed on-going cooperation projects being executed
with technical and financial assistance from the Government of India, noting
that these were directly associated with the benefit of the Myanmar people, and
agreed that these should be expedited. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s
abiding commitment to supporting Myanmar in its efforts to build infrastructure
and develop human resources capacity. Alluding to the positive experience of
the Industrial Training Centres set up with Indian assistance in Pakokku and
Myingyan, the Myanmar side thanked India for the support being extended to
develop two more Centres at Monywa and Thaton respectively as well as the
assistance for a five year comprehensive maintenance plan for ITC, Myingyan.
They also expressed appreciation for the support offered by India to upgrade
the Myanmar-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre and the Centre for
English Language Training at Yangon. The two sides also agreed to continue discussion
towards the establishment of a Planetarium at a suitable location in Myanmar,
recognizing that this would be a valuable institution that would nurture a
scientific temper amongst the Myanmar youth.
13. The two
sides shared the view that the situation in Rakhine State had a developmental
as well as a security dimension. In this context, they agreed to bring about
overall socio-economic development in the State by undertaking both
infrastructure and socio-economic projects, particularly in the spheres of
education, health, agriculture and allied activities, agro-processing,
community development, construction of small bridges, upgradation of roads,
small power projects, livelihood activity, setting up of training centres,
promotion of household crafts, conservation of environment and cultural
heritage. Myanmar welcomed India’s offer of assistance under the Rakhine State
Development Programme and the two sides agreed to finalize the implementation
modalities within the next few months.
14. The two
sides noted with satisfaction the cooperation in the field of agricultural
research and education, especially through the rapid progress in
operationalizing the Advanced Centre for Agricultural
Research and Education set up at the Yezin Agricultural University and the Rice
Bio Park set up at the Department of Agricultural Research. It also appreciated
India’s assistance for facilitating post graduation and doctoral education in
agricultural sciences for candidates from Myanmar.
15. The two
sides expressed satisfaction at the ongoing capacity building programmes for
Myanmar judicial officers, military personnel and police. Myanmar thanked India
for the extended period of support to the Myanmar Institute of Information
Technology and the India-Myanmar Centre for Enhancement of IT Skills. They
agreed that India would extend regular training to Myanmar diplomats at the
Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi. Myanmar welcomed India’s offer to enrol
two Myanmar diplomats every year for training at the Kendriya Hindi Sansthan
while 150 Myanmar civil servants would undergo training in English language at
Indian training institutes every year for a period of five years.
16. Recognizing
the need to further upgrade the training infrastructure and capacity building
of Myanmar Police, the two leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum on
Upgradation of the Women’s Police Training Center at Yamethin in Myanmar with
technical and financial assistance of Government of India. Myanmar welcomed
India’s offer to help set up a training centre for police officers in Yangon
and it was decided that modalities would be jointly worked out.
17. Myanmar
thanked India for supporting various projects in Myanmar that enhance bilateral
as well as regional connectivity like the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport
Project and other road and bridge construction projects as fully funded
grantin-aid projects. Myanmar appreciated the substantial progress made on the
Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project with the completion of works on
the Sittwe Port and the Paletwa Inland Water Transport Terminal and the handing
over of six cargo barges to the Myanmar Port Authority and Inland Water
Transport. The two sides agreed to enter into an MoU on appointing a port
operator that may include both sides to be responsible for the operation and
maintenance of the port in keeping with the practice that has been adopted at
other international ports in Myanmar. This would enable the Port and IWT
infrastructure to be used commercially and promote development of the
surrounding areas even as the final component of the project, the road from
Paletwa to Zorinpui, is under construction. Both sides noted with satisfaction
that work on the road was already underway and agreed to facilitate movement of
project personnel, construction material and equipment across the border
through Zorinpui and Paletwa. They also noted that construction work would
shortly begin on reconstruction of bridges on the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa Road and
on the Kalewa-Yargyi sector of the Trilateral Highway. The two sides have
agreed upon the alignment of the Rih-Tedim road and the DPR for its
construction. Further steps on construction of the Putao-Myitkyina and
Alethankyaw-Ahungmaw roads under available LOC would be taken after DPRs are
made available by Myanmar. In response to Myanmar’s request, India agreed to
undertake preparation of DPRs for the Rihkhawdar-Zowkhathar bridge and the
Bwaynu bridge.
18. The two
sides also reviewed projects in the field of health and noted with satisfaction
that work on the upgradation of Yangon Childrens’ Hospital and Sittwe General
Hospital and on construction of Monywa General Hospital had been completed.
They agreed to start consultations to establish and operate a state-of-the-art
hospital in Nay Pyi Taw in association with one of the leading Indian hospital
groups, based on modalities to be mutually decided.
19. Both sides
deliberated on the progress made in utilization of US$ 500 million concessional
Line of Credit extended by India to Myanmar in 2012. Noting that the projects
to be implemented under the Line of Credit would help augment the physical
infrastructure in vital areas and enhance capacities in agriculture and
transport, they resolved to implement mutually agreed projects expeditiously.
20. Both sides
expressed that, in order to derive full value from these infrastructure
projects, the institutional arrangements related to connectivity needed to be
put in place on priority. In this regard, they noted the importance of
concluding a bilateral agreement that would enable motor vehicle
traffic, both passenger and cargo, to cross the border.
21. Both sides
underlined the need for bringing about greater integration of power and energy
supply networks between India and Myanmar. Myanmar welcomed India’s
participation in its energy sector both in exploration and production and
invited Indian companies to participate in tenders for petrochemicals and
petroleum products, marketing infrastructure and setting up of LPG terminals.
India informed that leading Indian oil and gas companies are in the process of
opening their offices in Myanmar. The two sides applauded the agreement reached
by Numaligarh Refinery of India and Parami Energy Group of Myanmar on supply of
diesel to Myanmar across the land border, noting that this will give the people
of north Myanmar cheaper and more reliable access to petroleum products, and
also encouraged both sides to collaborate in storage and retail marketing of
petroleum products in Myanmar. The first consignment of the high speed diesel
reached Myanmar on 4th September 2017.
22. India also
expressed its readiness to extend technical as well as project-specific
assistance to conventional as well as renewable energy-based power development
projects identified by Government of Myanmar. In addition to the earlier offer
to conduct a feasibility study for development of solar parks in Myanmar, India
offered to conduct a solar radiation resource assessment in Myanmar. The two
sides discussed ways to cooperate in the field of energy efficiency between the
two countries. Myanmar thanked India for the technology demonstration projects
being undertaken through Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. of India to introduce
LED-based energy efficient lighting in key townships and buildings identified
by Myanmar in Nay Pyi Taw, Bago region and Rakhine State. India shared its
experiences in power trade and expressed its interest in examining possible
cooperation in this area with Myanmar. It was agreed that these and other
relevant issues would be taken up at an early meeting of the Joint Steering
Committee on Power and other forums.
In view of the
immense benefits that would accrue to participating countries, Myanmar promised
to give careful consideration to India’s suggestion to join the Framework
Agreement for the establishment of the International Solar Alliance.
23. The two
sides noted the current level of bilateral trade and investment and agreed
that, while robust, it has potential for growth. In this regard, they
emphasized the need to improve market access by removing all trade barriers
with a view to facilitate trade between the two countries. They expressed
satisfaction with the conclusions reached at the 6th meeting of Myanmar-India
Joint Trade Committee held in New Delhi, India in June, 2017 and agreed to
continue holding of meetings on Border Trade Committee and Border Haats
Committee.
24. India
welcomed Myanmar’s desire to seek cooperation with it to develop Myanmar’s
textile sector covering standardization, inspection and quality
recommendations, research & development, human resource development and
capacity building .
25. The two
sides acknowledged the importance of pulses in the bilateral trade basket, and
the implications this trade has for the Myanmar farmers and Indian consumers.
In this context, the State Counsellor expressed grave concern at the recent
notification issued by India imposing quantitative restrictions on various
categories of pulses and requested Prime Minister of India to lift all
restrictions on imports from Myanmar in view of the bonds of friendship and
long term interests of the two peoples and nations. The Indian Prime Minister
responded that it was important to work out long term arrangements whereby the
interests of both the peoples could be safeguarded in future.
26. The two
sides welcomed the successful negotiations and finalization of the agreement on
border crossing which will help in regulating and harmonizing movement of
people across the common land border and thus promote bilateral trade and
tourism and directed their senior officials to expeditiously conclude the
formalities for its signature. Leaders of both countries agreed to negotiate
and swiftly conclude an agreement on commencing a coordinated bus service
between the two countries from Imphal in India to Mandalay in Myanmar.
27. They shared
the view that enhanced air connectivity between the two countries will boost
people-to-people contacts as well as promote greater tourism, trade and
investment flows. The leaders also agreed that a DPR would be prepared by
Airports Authority of India through the close cooperation with Department of
Civil Aviation(DCA) of Myanmar for development of Pakokku Airport or Kalay
Airport with financial and technical assistance from India. They also welcomed
Government of India’s offer of customized training and capacity building
programmes for Air Traffic Controllers of Myanmar in India. The leaders
directed their respective officials to also explore the feasibility of
construction of a rail link between Tamu and Mandalay in Myanmar. It was agreed
that a team from India would be deputed to study and prepare a DPR for the rail
link between Tamu and Mandalay.
28. Both sides
recognized the importance of establishing mutually agreed procedures for the
rescue and rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking. In this context,
they welcomed the finalization of the MoU on Cooperation for Prevention of
Human Trafficking and conveyed their intent to conclude it at the earliest.
29. The two leaders emphasized the centrality
of culture in further deepening the close bonds between the peoples of India and
Myanmar and expressed satisfaction with the signature of the Cultural Exchange
Programme (CEP) for the period 2017-20. They expressed confidence that the CEP
would also promote cultural exchanges between the North Eastern States of India
and the bordering areas of Myanmar. India also confirmed that 2 slots would be
made available annually for Myanmar archaeologists for advanced studies at the
Indian Institute of Archaeology, New Delhi.
30. The Indian
side conveyed that the project being undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of
India to preserve and conserve stone inscriptions and temples of King Mindon
and King Bagyidaw of Myanmar in Bodh Gaya is at an advanced stage and would be
completed by December 2017. The Myanmar side welcomed this information noting
that these temples constitute an important aspect of India-Myanmar cultural
heritage.
31. Myanmar
welcomed India’s assistance in the socio-economic development of Bagan while
preserving and conserving its heritage. Prime amongst these is the project to restore
and conserve 92 ancient pagodas and structures in Bagan through the
Archaeological Survey of India. The two sides welcomed the finalization of an
MoU in this regard. Other projects proposed to be undertaken as India-Myanmar
cooperation projects are those of setting up of “Bagan Haat” as a hub of
Myanmar craft, food and cultural activities, LED-based street lighting, rain
water harvesting for sustainable water management, training for alternative
income generation for the people of Bagan and upgradation of identified
schools.
32. Myanmar
expressed deep appreciation to India for the decision taken by the Government
of India to give Myanmar nationals gratis visa in all categories, except
e-visa.
33. The
Government of Myanmar thanked India for its decision to grant special pardon to
40 Myanmar nationals who are currently undergoing imprisonment in India for
various crimes. This gesture was deeply appreciated by both the Government and
the people of Myanmar, especially by the families of those who will be released
from Indian jails.
34. Recognising
the importance of the role played by the media in fostering and supporting
democracy, both sides welcomed the conclusion of the Memorandum of
Understanding on cooperation between the Press Council of India and the Myanmar
Press Council. Activities under this framework will encourage exchanges between
journalists and promote better understanding of political and economic
developments in India and Myanmar.
35. Both sides
reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen regional cooperation to maximize
the mutuality of interests and to ensure equitable share of mutual benefits in
all areas, including trade, transport and energy. They recognized the
importance of various regional/ sub-regional collaborative initiatives to improve
the lives and livelihoods of all people across the two countries.
36. India and
Myanmar reaffirmed their commitment to work closely in the UN and other
multilateral organizations. They underscored the importance of coordinating
their positions on multilateral issues of common interest. Both sides
reiterated the importance of a strong United Nations and emphasized the need
for an early reform of the Security Council. They reaffirmed their commitment
to support the Inter-Governmental Negotiations for comprehensive reforms of the
Security Council. Myanmar reiterated its support for India’s efforts to become
permanent member of an expanded and reformed UN Security Council. The two sides
also reaffirmed their commitment to work together particularly in the
international arena to strengthen the means of implementation as enshrined in
the SDGs 2030. The two sides stressed the importance of objectivity and
impartiality of the United Nations and its specialized agencies in pursuing
their work.
37. Both sides underscored
the need for strengthening and reform of multilateral financial institutions
and enhancing the voice and participation of developing countries in
international economic decision-making.
38. India and
Myanmar expressed firm commitment to set an example of good neighbourliness in
the region. They emphasized that they must continue to progress together. They
therefore agreed to promote shared interests of the peoples of the two
countries so as to live together harmoniously and in a mutually beneficial
inter-dependent environment.
39. Prime
Minister Modi thanked the President of Myanmar for the warm and gracious
hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay in Myanmar.
40. Prime
Minister Modi also invited State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to visit India
at a mutually convenient time. The State Counsellor of Myanmar expressed her
deep appreciation for the invitation.
Ref; The Global
New Light of Myanmar
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