HE Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the State Counsellor of the Republic of Myanmar called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (October 18, 2016).

Welcoming HE Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on her first State Visit to India, the President said that India and Myanmar are close neighbours and have a good long standing relationship with each other. During the visit of the President of Myanmar in August this year, fruitful discussions were held and four important agreements were signed between the two countries.

The President congratulated HE Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on her landmark victory in the General Elections held in November, 2015. The President said that India appreciates the spirit with which the people of Myanmar have responded in the General Elections and the manner in which the whole process of elections has been steered. He said that he was happy that the process of democratization was being strengthened in Myanmar. India will extend all help to Myanmar in this phase of transition in order to set up democratic institutions for ensuring stability in the country. He wished Myanmar all success in establishing a strong democracy. He stated that Myanmar’s transition to full democracy will take time to achieve and India stands by Myanmar in this process.

The President said that India will soon commence work on restoring two old temples and inscriptions of King Mindon and Bay Gyi Daw in Bodh Gaya as requested by the Government of Myanmar. He said that this task will be undertaken by the Archeological Survey of India with financial support from Government of India.

HE Daw Aung San Suu Kyi reciprocated the President’s sentiments and said that India and Myanmar have much in common. She stated that change does not happen easily and Myanmar has to go about the process of transition in a cautious manner. Myanmar seeks the cooperation and support of India as its people look forward to progress and change for the betterment of their lives.

This release issued at 1645 hrs.