India-Myanmar join hands to improve security

New Delhi, Dec 21: India and Myanmar today decided to increase cooperation to improve security, curb drug trafficking and ensure effective border management.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Myanmar's Home Minister Major General Maung Oo held a meeting at which both sides assured full co-operation with each other in these areas.

Mr Patil assured the visiting dignitaries of all possible assistance in the field of training and capacity-building of the Myanmar Home Ministry officials. The visit of Major General Maung Oo has provided a renewed impetus for widening and deepening of the India-Myanmar relations.

Major General Maung Oo has come to India along with a four-member delegation on the invitation of Mr Patil.

Prior to its arrival in New Delhi yesterday, the Myanmar delegation visited Bangalore and Hyderabad from December 17th to 20th. The delegation visited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) at Bangalore and the National Police Academy and the software development facility of a leading firm at Hyderabad. Major General Maung Oo yesterday visited a Compact Disc Manufacturing Unit at Greater Noida.

During these visits, the Myanmar delegation appreciated technological advancements made by India in space research, aeronautics and information technology fields.

The Myanmar Home Minister has also extended invitation to Mr Patil, on his behalf and on behalf of the head of the Myanmarese government, of Union of Myanmar, to visit the neighbouring country at his earliest convenience.

UNI