Yangon, May 29 (ANI): 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. (ANI)
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