1. At the invitation of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) of the Union of Myanmar, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, HE Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Vice-President of the Republic of India paid a four-day official visit to Myanmar from 2 to 5 November 2003. The Vice-President of India HE Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising HE Mr Digvijay Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, HE Mr Anil Kumar, Member of Parliament (RS), HE Mr B J Panda, Member of Parliament (RS), HE Mr K Sibal, Foreign Secretary, HE Mr Anil Kumar Secretary to Vice-President, HE Mr R K Bhatia, Ambassador of India to Myanmar and other senior officials.

2. The Vice-President of India and members of his entourage were accorded a warm welcome by the government and the people of Myanmar, reflecting the traditionally friendly ties between the two countries.

3. During his stay in Myanmar, Vice-President HE Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat was received by the Chairman of the State Peace and development Council, Senior General Than Shwe and the two leaders had a friendly exchange of views on matters of mutual interest.

4. The Vice-Chairman of SPDC, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and Vice-President HE Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat held discussions on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues.

5. The Vice-Chairman of SPDC and the Vice-President of India apprised each other of recent developments in their countries. The Myanmar side informed the Indian side of the seven-step road map for transition to democracy. The Vice-Chairman of SPDC expressed Myanmar's desire to work with India for closer economic relations and to maintain peace and stability on their common border. The Vice-President of India expressed support for the national reconciliation process and progress in the transition to democracy in Myanmar.

6. While reviewing the development of friendly relations between the two countries, both leaders expressed satisfaction at the progress in various sectors in recent years. They expressed their determination to enhance these relations by exploring further possibilities in economic, trade, education, culture and technical cooperation. The Myanmar side conveyed deep appreciation for the training fellowships provided by India to more than 300 Myanmar nationals. The two sides reviewed progress on several developmental projects considered important for building long-term linkages between the two countries. They reaffirmed the target of US $ 1 billion of bilateral trade by the year 2006.

7. The Vice-Chairman of SPDC Vice-Senior General Maung Aye expressed the deep gratitude of the Government of Myanmar to the Government of India for the extension of a Credit Line of 25 million dollars to Myanmar. During the visit, the two sides signed the Agreement on visa exemption for official and diplomatic passport holders and Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education, Government of the Union of Myanmar and the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

8. The Vice-President and the Vice-Chairman of SPDC shared the view that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations was unacceptable. They agreed that no cause justifies terrorism. The two leaders informed each other of measures enacted and implemented in their countries to fight terrorism. They committed themselves to strengthening bilateral mechanisms and to considering additional ways to intensify efforts to prevent, counter and suppress the activities of terrorist groups and to cooperate in this regard. The two sides reiterated their firm commitment to ensure that their common border remains one of peace, stability and tranquility.

9. The two sides expressed their support for the Non-Aligned Movement which had a vital role to play for promoting peace, development and a more equitable world economic order.

10. Recent progress in strengthening defence cooperation was reviewed and satisfaction was expressed at the regular exchange of visits involving the three Services, including sports teams, as well as the first ever goodwill visit to Myanmar of the Indian Naval vessels in December 2002. The two sides agreed that such exchanges as well as training programmes of Myanmar personnel in Indian institutions should be stepped up in future.

11. The two sides shared the view that the United Nations reform process should be expedited. Myanmar informed the Indian side of its willingness to support the aspiration of India to become a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council when the issue comes up.

12. The two sides agreed to work jointly to strengthen regional cooperation, including in ASEAN, the BIMST-EC and the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, where both countries are actively involved. The two sides also agreed to ensure timely progress in implementation of the Trilateral Highway Project.

13. The Vice-President addressed a luncheon meeting hosted by the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He also paid a visit to the University of Yangon where he unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. The Vice-President also visited the ancient capitals of Bagan and Mandalay and other places of interest. He addressed and interacted with the persons of Indian origin and the non-resident Indians in Yangon and Mandalay.

14. A special booklet entitled " Focus on India-Myanmar Relations", specially produced by the Embassy of India, Yangon to mark the visit of the Vice-President, was released during the visit.

15. HE Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat renewed the invitation of the President of India to the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe to pay an official visit to India. The invitation was accepted with pleasure.

16. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye conveyed to the Vice-President of India the cordial invitation of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council extended to the President of India Dr A P J Kalam to pay an official visit to Myanmar. Vice-President agreed with pleasure to convey the invitation.

17. The delegation of India thanked the Government and people of Myanmar for the warm and friendly reception and gracious hospitality accorded to the delegation.

Yangon, 4 November 2003.