NAY PYI TAW, 6 Dec - President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Thein Sein received a goodwill delegation led by Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina at the Credentials Hall of the Presidential Residence, here, at 9.50 am today.

Also present at the call were Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Wunna Maung Lwin, Union Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Myint Hlaing, Union Minister for Industry U Soe Thein, Union Minister at the President Office U Soe Maung, Union Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Tin Naing Thein, Union Minister for Energy U Than Htay, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Daw Myat Myat Ohn Khin, Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh U Min Lwin and departmental heads.

The Bangladeshi Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Dipu Moni, senior officers, Bangladeshi Ambassador to Myanmar Maj-Gen Anup Kumar Chakma, ndc, psc and officials.

In extending his greetings, President U Thein Sein said that he was glad that the Head of Government from a neighbouring nation sharing border with Myanmar has paid a visit to the country and it was like a relative's visit. He expressed his thanks to the Prime Minister for giving time to visit although she has had a very tight schedule. He also expressed his hope that the visit will further strengthen the existing mutual amity and cooperation.

The Bangladeshi Prime Minister on her part expressed thanks for being invited to visit Myanmar. The relations between the two countries which have similar geographical conditions and history are improving. The Prime Minister expressed her wish to promote bilateral cooperation in all sectors including economy. Now, both countries are collaborating in the areas of regional organizations such as BIMSTEC, ASEAN and ARF and the UN. The Prime Minister said that she would like to cooperate in building motor roads and railroads linking the two countries.

Only then, will it contribute a lot to the improvement of bilateral trade and economy. As Bangladesh does not have enough electricity, the country has signed agreements to cooperate with India, Bhutan and Nepal in hydro-power sector. She wished to see similar cooperation with Myanmar.

Besides, she expressed her interest in purchasing natural gas from Myanmar. She invited the President to pay a visit to Bangladesh. In his discussion, President U Thein Sein said that the new government is practicing the independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy. Moreover, the country is amicably cooperating with all global nations and the UN in accordance with the five principles of peaceful coexistence.

Myanmar will be cooperating more with all the neighbouring nations. Myanmar is also joining hands with Bangladesh and BIMSTEC. Besides, the two countries are collaborating in regional and international issues by supporting each other. Myanmar wished to see resumption of flights between the two countries, which have been suspended.

The bilateral cooperation in maritime sector that has been negotiated will continue. The President also said that the proposal of the Prime Minister to construct motor road to link the two countries would be considered. Trade between the two countries is currently weak. The trade between the two countries touched only US$ 137 million in 2010-2011 fiscal year. Both sides need to make efforts to increase the volume of trade to reach US $ 500 million.

Myanmar side is willing to enhance border trade and regular trade between the two countries. Bangladesh is offered the chance to make investments in Myanmar where 31 countries are investing. Handover of Myanmar citizens in Bangladesh will be carried out step by step as mutually agreed before. The two nations need to cooperate in anti-narcotic measures. The government is realizing rural development and poverty alleviation tasks in Myanmar, with the aim to reduce poverty rate from 26% to 16 % by 2015 in accord with Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations.

MNA