President Ram Nath Kovind Hands over 50 houses in Myanmar’s for Rohingyas

NEW DELHI: India pushes development agenda in Myanmar’s restive Rakhine state where it is building mega connectivity projects as President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday handed over 50 houses in the Rohingya dominated province.

India is building 250 houses in Myanmar’s Rakhine province as part of a developmental project. The first batch of 50 houses was formally handed over to the Myanmar authorities by Kovind. India last year extended $ 25 million for development of Rakhine province following Rohingya crisis.

Coinciding with Kovind’s visit state visit to Myanmar, and to further people-to-people relations, Myanmar has also announced a visa-on-arrival facility for Indian tourists entering the country through the international airports of Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon and Mandalay. This is significant as Myanmar has tough visa rules.

Leading delegation-level talks between the two sides, Kovind said that India attaches special priority to its relations with Myanmar. Myanmar is a key partner for India’s “Act East” and “Neighbourhood First” policies. Kovind also described Myanmar as a “natural bridge” from India to Southeast Asia and ASEAN.

The President said India takes pride in its development cooperation partnership with Myanmar and is committed to completing all connectivity projects. The port and inland waterway components of the Kaladan project have been built. India seeks Myanmar’s support to expedite completion of the remaining projects. It is privileged to contribute to capacity development in Myanmar.

In his meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi, Kovind said that India deeply appreciates the reforms underway in Myanmar. “We understand that this is a particularly challenging time for Myanmar. India is in full support of the objectives of the National Peace Process,” Kovind remarked.

An agreement between the National Judicial Academy of India and the Office of the Union Chief Justice of Myanmar for training and capacity building of judges and judicial officers in Myanmar was singed on the occasion.

Another agreement for Cooperation in Science and Technology between the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India, and the Department of Research and Innovation, Ministry of Education, Myanmar was also concluded.

Source: ET

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