India to strengthen people-to-people relation with Myanmar;PM

For a better bilateral relationship and strengthen the relations with Myanmar, India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh started his three day visit to Myanmar.

On the occasion Manmohan Singh said after his departure for Myanmar in a statement that he will consider new initiatives and define a roadmap for the further development of our cooperation in the years ahead.

The Indian leader hailed Myanmar's transition to democracy and steps taken by President Thein Sein for a broad-based and inclusive reconciliation process vis-a-vis the opposition.

It is noted that Manmohan Singh is the first Indian prime minister to visit Myanmar in a quarter century.

Manmohan Singh said India hoped to sign a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation besides promoting people to people contacts.

He said the visit will provide an opportunity to review the progress in the implementation of decisions taken during the Myanmar president's visit to
India in October last year.

The prime minister will fly into Myanmar capital Nay Pyi Taw, where he will meet the newly elected democratic government's top leadership, apart from a summit meeting with Thein Sein.

(With inputs from IANS)