Sushma Swaraj meets Suu Kyi in Myanmar

Naypyitaw(Myanmar) Aug. 22 (ANI): India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who is on a day-long visit to Myanmar for bilateral engagements met State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in Naypyitaw. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted, "An old friend of India, a new partner in progress. EAM meets Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor and FM of Myanmar." Swaraj's visit to the country is the first major political exchange between India and Myanmar following the swearing in of the new National League for Democracy Government. Her visit incidentally also comes a day after Suu Kyi returned from her visit to China and held bilateral discussions for close coordination on various issues. Swaraj also called on Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw and held discussions with him on issues of mutual interest. "Enhancing linkages with Myanmar's new Government. EAM @SushmaSwaraj calls on President U Htin Kyaw in 1st engagement," said Swarup. New Delhi and Naypyidaw today are expected to hold discussions on various bilateral issues, including plans for the upcoming BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit in India, building on the comprehensive discussions during Foreign Office Consultations held in New Delhi on August 9. Both countries share share close relations with a robust development cooperation programme in areas such as agriculture, IT, human resource development, infrastructure development, culture, etc. The visit reaffirms India's commitment to heightened partnership with Myanmar and pursuance of its 'Act East Policy'. (ANI)