Myanmar not to allow anti-India activities from its soil: Prez

Nay Pyi Taw, Aug 12: Myanmar's President U Thein Sein on Aug 11 assured India that his country will never allow its territory to be used for anything that is inimical to India's interests.

Thein Sein conveyed this to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj when she called on him here and raised the issue of certain North Eastern militant outfits taking shelter in Myanmar.

"The President categorically said that Myanmar will never allow its territory to be used for anything that is inimical to India's interests," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.

In March, both the countries had signed a memorandum to facilitate intelligence sharing and cooperation between security forces of the two neighbours and Akbaruddin said the focus was now focus to operationalise it.

The President also expressed happiness over Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government's effort to improve relations with the neighbouring countries and conveyed to Swaraj that Myanmar wants to significantly improve ties with India. Both sides underlined the need for improving connectivity between the two countries.

They also discussed setting up of a Joint Consultative Committee to explore new areas of cooperation. Swaraj suggested participation of Chief Ministers also in JCC besides Union Ministers.

The External Affairs Minister also held wide ranging talks with Myanmar Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin on a range of issues including extending cooperation in trade, border cooperation and infrastructure development.

The External Affairs Minister had arrived here on August 8 to participate in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum Meeting. She had bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers of 11 countries including Japan, Australia, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand.

PTI