INDIA, MYANMAR SIGN PACT FOR APPOINTMENT OF PORT OPERATOR

NAYPYITAW: India and Myanmar on Monday inked a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the appointment of a private operator of the Sittwe Port that will boost connectivity and help in creating local job opportunities as the two sides discussed bilateral issues as well as topics of common interest, including developments in the strife-torn Rakhine state.

The MoU was signed by foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale after his meetings with Myanmar’s state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and Union minister of transport and communications U Thant Sin Maung here. Gokhale called on Suu Kyi and discussed issues related to bilateral cooperation.

“All matters relating to bilateral cooperation as well as matters pertaining to international and regional matters of common interest, including developments in Rakhine state were discussed during this meeting,” said a statement issued by the Ministry of external affairs in New Delhi.

He then met Maung and discussed issues related to connectivity and transport infrastructure being developed by India in Myanmar, it said.

After the meeting, Gokhale and U Win Khant, permanent secretary, Myanmar’s ministry of transport and communications, signed the MoU for the appointment of a private port operator for the operation and maintenance of Sittwe Port and Paletwa Inland Water Terminal . “This is a significant step in the implementation of India’s Act East Policy as its signing will enhance Myanmar’s connectivity including with India...,” the statement said.