India for safe, speedy return of Rohingyas
Sushma meets Myanmar officials during 2-day visit
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has underlined the need for "safe, speedy and sustainable return" of the Rohingyas to Myanmar from Bangladesh.
She visited Myanmar on Thursday and yesterday and discussed the issue with the Myanmar authorities.
India and Myanmar have discussed developments in Rakhine State, including the repatriation of Rohingyas, as Bangladesh is under stress of hosting a million Rohingyas.
During the visit, Sushma met Myanmar President Win Myint and State Counsellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs Aung San Suu Kyi.
She also reiterated India's readiness and commitment to helping the government of Myanmar in addressing issues related to the Rakhine State.
The Indian minister noted that under the aegis of the bilateral Rakhine State Development Programme, India was already in the implementation stages of various projects that would respond to the needs of different sections of the Rakhine State population.
The first major project is the construction of prefabricated housing in Rakhine State to meet the needs of displaced persons.
During the bilateral meetings, boundary and border related issues, peace and security matters, developments in the Rakhine State, including return of displaced persons, India's development assistance to Myanmar, ongoing projects, and other issues of mutual interest were discussed.
The minister also met the Commander in Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, during the visit, said Indian External Affairs Ministry.
Seven agreements/MOUs were signed during the visit. These included the agreement on Land Border Crossing.
The agreement is a landmark in bilateral relations between the two countries as it will enable people from both countries to cross the land border with passports and visas, including for accessing health and education services, pilgrimage and tourism, said the Indian ministry yesterday.