Nay Pyi Daw (Myanmar), May 29 (ANI): India and Myanmar have agreed to use the recently inked Cultural Exchange Program to promote greater people-to-people contact
Visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Myanmar President Thein Sein 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 2012-2015.
It was noted that the CEP would also promote cultural exchanges between the North Eastern States of India and the bordering areas of Myanmar.
They also welcomed the preparations that have been made towards organizing the International Conference on Buddhist Heritage in Myanmar in December 2012 with the cooperation of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of Religious Affairs of Myanmar and the Sitagu World Buddhist Association.
The Myanmar side thanked India for its decision to gift a 16 feet sand stone replica of the Sarnath Buddha later in the year that will be installed in the precincts of the Shwedagon Pagoda.
A smaller replica will be unveiled by the Prime Minister during his visit. The Myanmar side also conveyed its appreciation to India for the facilities and courtesies being extended to Myanmar pilgrims visiting India.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the ongoing pace of work on the project for conservation and restoration of the Ananda Temple in Bagan, Myanmar by the Archaeological Survey of India which is expected to be completed over the next two years.
The two leaders also welcomed the formalization of contacts between Indian and Myanmar think tanks and academic institutions and urged scholars to participate actively and exchange views in academic events being held in either country.
The President of Myanmar welcomed the announcement made by the Prime Minister regarding the Government of India's support for setting up a school with technical assistance from India. (ANI)
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