EAM to visit Myanmar from tomorrow

New Delhi, Jan 18 (UNI) External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will begin a three-day visit to Myanmar from tomorrow for discussions on cooperation in several areas including energy and counter-terrorism.

He is also scheduled to visit Afghanistan on January 23-24.

Asked whether the issue of terrorism and insurgency would be taken up during the meetings in Myanmar, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said the issue was likely to be discussed.

He, however, asserted that there was no reason to doubt Myanmar's continued commitment to regional security.

Naga insurgents in India's Norhteast--NSCN-K--take shelter in Myanmar jungles along the border with Manipur, India has taken up the matter with Myanmar leadership and has been assured that Yangon would not allow any part of the country to be used for anti-India activities.

India and Myanmar also have several bilateral projects on the anvil including power projects.

Describing Myanmar an important neighbour, the spokesman said the External Affairs Minister has been in touch with neighbouring countries. The visits to Afghanistan and Myanmar are part of that policy.

UNI