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India looks forward to Aung San Suu Kyi's visit: PM | Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who met the
country's iconic leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi here on Tuesday, said India looks
forward to her visit, and expressed hope that she will make important contributions
to the processes of change and broader reconciliation presently underway in Myanmar
. "This morning, I had the privilege of meeting Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. We in India
admire her for her courage, perseverance and sacrifice. She is a patriot and I
hope that she will make important contributions to the processes of change and
broader reconciliation that are now underway in this beautiful country," said
Dr. Singh in his address to think-tank's and business community at an event organized
by Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Myanmar Development
Resource Institute in Yangon on India and Myanmar: A Partnership for Progress
and Regional Development. "She is also an old friend of India . We are delighted
that she has agreed to deliver the prestigious Nehru Memorial Lecture. We look
forward to receiving her soon in her old home," he added. Dr. Singh, who held
talks with Aung San Suu Kyi here earlier in the day, handed over to her an invitation
from UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to visit India . Extending all assistance from
the Indian side, Dr. Singh said: "The people of India wish the people of Myanmar
well as they undertake the tasks of building a representative democracy, reconciliation
with all ethnic groups and economic and political reform." "The path to democracy
must necessarily evolve in the unique historical and political circumstances of
Myanmar and be based on the native genius and traditions of its people," he added.
Asserting that dialogue and peaceful negotiations are the best ways to bring about
genuine reconciliation, Dr. Singh said: "I commend the efforts of the Government
of Myanmar to achieve peaceful settlements with various ethnic groups. They should
now embrace the democratic path fully and become active partners in the country's
progress." The Prime Minister said the path of economic reform is often contentious
and rarely painless. "In the process of opening up, special measures need to be
taken to help disadvantaged sections of society who are not yet empowered to benefit
from the fruits of growth and globalization," said Dr. Singh. " The needs of local
communities and people displaced by the processes of modernization should be taken
on board. We should do nothing that threatens the environment or the delicate
ecological balance that has sustained us for millennia," he added. Dr. Singh further
emphasized that the success of a nation depends in the end on the energy, creativity
and spirit of adventure and enterprise of its people. "It is only meaningful political
and economic reform that can give each citizen the right and freedom of opportunity
to realize his or her potential and seek a life of dignity and social and economic
fulfillment. By empowering each individual citizen, we lay the foundations for
building a peaceful, prosperous and confident nation," said Dr. Singh. "In conclusion,
I wish to say that I am very satisfied with my visit to Myanmar . I see great
potential and promise in relations between our two countries and I look forward
to working with the leadership and people of Myanmar to build an enduring partnership
of friendship, cooperation and common prosperity between our two countries," he
added. Dr. Singh is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Myanmar in 25 years.
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