Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Minister for External Affairs visited Myanmar from 19-21 January, 2007. During his visit, he met with Vice Senior General Maung Aye, Vice Chairman of the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), General Soe Win, Prime Minister, U Nyan. Win, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brig. Gen. Thura Myint Maung, Minister for Religious Affairs, U Soe Tha, Minister for National Planning & Economic Development.

EAM’s visit is a part of a series of high-level contacts that we have had over the last one year. Our President paid a successful visit to Myanmar in March 2006 and the visits of General Thura Shwe Mann, Chief of General Staff as well as Home Minister General Maung Oo followed, both in December 2006. Myanmar is a close and friendly neighbour with whom India shares links of geography, culture and religion. There is a large population of persons of Indian Origin in Myanmar. We also share a long border of about 1600 Kms.

While welcoming Myanmar’s commitment not to allow its territory to be used for activities inimical to India, EAM sought their continued and sustained cooperation in this regard. Discussions between the two sides also centred on ways and means to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector. Apart from ways to augment trade ties, infrastructure projects were also discussed. Both sides stressed the need for early conclusion of a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and an Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation.

EAM was received warmly by the Myanmar leadership and discussions were held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere reflecting the excellent relations between the two countries.
Seventh round of Foreign Office Consultations between India and Myanmar held in Yangon on 18 June 2006