Senior General Than Shwe welcomes Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on State visit

YANGON, 8 March — At the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe, President of the Republic of India His Excellency Dr APJ Abdul Kalam arrived here by special aircraft this afternoon to pay a State visit to the Union of Myanmar.

An Indian goodwill delegation led by President of the Republic of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Prime Minister General Soe Win, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hla Htay Win, ministers, Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of India U Kyi Thein, the Director-General of the Protocol Department and departmental heads, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Union of Myanmar Mr Bhaskar Kumar Mitra and embassy staff.

The special aircraft carrying the Indian delegation led by Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam landed at Yangon International Airport at 3.15 pm. Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department and Indian Ambassador Mr Bhaskar Kumar Mitra boarded the special aircraft and welcomed the Indian President.

The Indian President was accorded a 21-gun salute.

Senior General Than Shwe greeted Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam at the ramp.

Schoolgirls welcomed the Indian goodwill delegation by waving miniature flags of the two countries and shouting slogans at the airport.

Senior General Than Shwe introduced his entourage to the Indian President. The Indian President cordially greeted the schoolgirls.

Next, Senior General Than Shwe and party, and the Indian President and party went to the lounge of the airport.

While the Indian President and the Senior General took the salute of the Guard of Honour, the State Band played national anthems of the two countries. Next, the Indian President and the Senior General inspected the Guard of Honour.

After that, Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam introduced his goodwill delegation members to Senior General Than Shwe. The Indian President and cordially greeted Senior General Than Shwe and party.

Next, the Indian President and party proceeded to the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road , here, in a motorcade. The Indian President was accompanied by Indian high-ranking officers.

To welcome the Indian delegation led by the Indian President, welcoming banner and arches bearing “Warmly welcome to President of the Republic of India His Excellency Dr APJ Abdul Kalam” displaying both in Myanmar and English languages and photos of the Indian President and Senior General Than Shwe were erected at the entrance to the airport and at the VIP Lounge of the airport. The national flags of both countries were also flown at the environs of the airport, at the Junction-8, at the Inyalay Corner, the bank of Inya Lake , Kamayut Junction, Hanthawady Roundabout, U Wisara Roundabout, U Htaung Bo Roundabout, the People’s Square, and environs of the Traders Hotel.

Senior General Than Shwe meets visiting Indian President and party  One agreement, two MoUs inked between Governments of Union of Myanmar, Republic of India

Yangon, 9 March — President of the Republic of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam met with Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe at the Credentials Hall of Pyithu Hluttaw Building, here, at 10.45 am today. Also present at the call were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Prime Minister General Soe Win, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Myanmar Ambassador to India U Kyi Thein, Director-General Col Kyaw Kyaw Win of the State Peace and Development Council Office and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department. The Indian President was accompanied by high-ranking officers of the Indian Government and Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Bhaskar Kumar Mitra. At 12.30 pm, Senior General Than Shwe and party together with Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and party attended the ceremonies to sign an agreement and MoUs between the Government of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of the Republic of India , at the Treaty Hall of the Pyithu Hluttaw Building . Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu, on behalf of the Government of the Union of Myanmar, and Foreign Secretary Mr Shyam Saran of the Ministry of External Affairs, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of India signed the Framework Agreement on Mutual Cooperation in the Field of Remote Sensing between the Government of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of the Republic of India, and they exchanged notes. Next, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and Foreign Secretary Mr Shyam Saran of Ministry of External Affairs of India inked the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Buddhist Studies between the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Government of the Union of Myanmar and Indian Council for Cultural Relations of the Government of the Republic of India, and they exchanged notes. Afterwards, Director-General U Soe Myint of the Energy Planning Department under the Ministry of Energy and Joint-Secretary Mr Prabh Das of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Petroleum Sector between the Ministry of Energy of the Union of Myanmar and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas of the Government of the Republic of India. After exchanging the notes, the signing ceremony came to a close.

Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing host dinner in honour of Indian President and party

Yangon, 9 March — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing hosted a dinner in honour of visiting President of the Republic of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and goodwill delegation members at the Reception Hall of Pyithu Hluttaw Building on Pyay Road, here, at 7.30 pm today. Also present at the dinner were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence and wife Daw Khin Lay Thet, Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo of the Ministry of Defence and wife, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and the Commander-in-Chief (Air) and their wives, ministers and their wives, the Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of India, the Dean of Diplomatic Corps the Philippine Ambassador and ambassadors of foreign missions in Yangon, the Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads. The Indian President was accompanied by high-ranking officers of the Indian Government and the Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Union of Myanmar. First, the State Band played the national anthems of the Republic of India and the Union of Myanmar. Before and during the dinner, vocalists presented variety songs to the accompaniment of Myanma Athan modern troupe. After the dinner, artistes of the Fine Arts Department under the Ministry of Culture entertained the Indian delegation with cultural dances. Later, Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam presented gifts to the artistes.

Indian President and party visit Shwedagon Pagoda, People’s Park, Dagon BEHS No 1, Myanmar Info-Tech, King Zafar Shah’s Tomb

Yangon , 9 March — The Indian goodwill dele-gation led by Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam visited Shwedagon Pagoda, here, this morning. The visiting Indian President planted a tree in commemoration of the State visit at the People’s Park. The Indian President and delegation visi-ted Basic Education High School No 1 in Dagon Township , and Myanmar Info-Tech Building . Later, they paid homage to King Zafar Shah’s Tomb. Accompanied by Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Myanmar Ambassador to India U Kyi Thein, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Bhaskar Kumar Mitra and officials, the Indian President and party arrived at Shwedagon Pagoda at 9.50 am. They were welcomed by Minis-ter for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung and members of the pagoda board of trustees. At the southern prayer hall, alternate member of the pagoda board of trustees U Ba Shwe explained facts about the pagoda to the Indian delegation. Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam signed the visitors’ book and presented cash donations towards the funds of the pagoda through the minister. They went round the pagoda and viewed the Jade Buddha Image, and the Royal Bell of King Thayawady. They cordially conversed with pilgrims and posed for a documentary photo. At 10.30 am, the Indian delegation led by Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam proceeded to the People’s Park where they were welcomed by Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and officials. President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam planted a Gangaw tree (Mesua ferrea) in commemoration of his visit. At 1 pm, they went to BEHS No 1 in Dagon Township . Minister for Education Dr Chan Nyein, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Myo Min, directors-general and officials of Departments of Basic Education, Headmaster U Kyaw Kyaw and teachers welcomed the Indian delegation. Students welcomed the Indian President by waving miniature flags. The guests visited the computer lab where students of seventh and eighth standards were learning ICT-based lessons. The Indian guests also viewed software application of fifth and sixth standard students at the multi-media teaching lab. At Dagon Thiri Hall, students’ band presented Indian songs to the Indian President and party. Next, the Indian President posed for a documentary photo with students of the band. Eighth standard student Ma Soe Kaythari reported on the history of the school. The Indian President gave an advice on pursuing education to the students, and replied to the questions. Afterwards, the Indian President presented the photo of Milky Way, 10 sets of computer and books on computer technology to Headmaster U Kyaw Kyaw, and signed the visitors’ book. Eighth standard student Maung Win Min Thu presented a portrait of the Indian President as a gift to the Indian President. The visiting President cordially greeted the headmaster, students and students. At 3.45 pm, the Indian guests arrived at Myanmar Info-Tech Building in Hline Township where they were welcomed by Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Vice-Chairman of the e-National Task Force U Aung Myint, Chairman of Myanmar Info-Tech U Thein Oo and BOD members.

Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw extended greetings and explained ICT progress in Myanmar and functions of Myanmar Info-Tech. Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam also explained Internet use of the whole India and ICT development of neighbouring countries. Next, they exchanged views. Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw replied to the questions raised by the guests. Next, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw presented a portrait of Myanmar Info-Tech Building to the Indian President. The guests viewed the scale model of the building and the Indian President signed the visitors’ book. They visited the e-Learning Centre of Myanmar Computer Federation and software companies at the building. On arrival at the King Zafar Shah’s Tomb in the evening, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee for the Tomb Deputy Commissioner of Yangon West District General Administration Department U Aung Myint and officials welcomed them. The guests paid homage at the Tomb and, the Indian President signed the visitors’ book. The Indian President presented cash donation to the funds of the tomb. The Supervisory Committee Chairman accepted the donations and gave a certificate of honour and gifts to the Indian President. Later, the guests had a documentary photo taken together with the supervisory committee members at the tomb.

Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam tours Mandalay

Yangon, 10 March — Visiting President of the Republic of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and party, together with Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Myanmar Ambassador to India U Kyi Thein, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Bhaskar Kumar Mitra and officials, left Yangon International Airport by special aircraft this morning and arrived at Mandalay International Airport in TadaU Township in the afternoon.

The Indian President and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Khin Zaw, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Phone Zaw Han, Deputy Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Nay Win, Indian Consul-General Ms Anita Nayar, senior military officers and officials.

At the airport, Ayeya Maung elephant dance troupe of Kyaukse and schoolgrils also welcomed the Indian delegation.

On arrival at University of Traditional Medicine ( Mandalay ), the Indian President and party were welcomed by Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general, faculty members, medical superintendents and students.

The drum troupe of the Fine Arts Department (Mandalay Branch) welcomed the Indian President by playing the drums. The Indian President cordially greeted them and posed for a documentary photo together with them.

Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint explained matters related to the University of Traditional Medicine to the Indian President. Acting Rector Dr Lwin Ko presented a gift to the visiting president.

Next, the Indian President and party visited the museum of the university.

At the meeting hall, Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam explained research of Indian traditional medicines, and signed in the visitors’ book.

Commander Maj-Gen Khin Zaw hosted a luncheon to the Indian President and party at Sedona Hotel in Mandalay .

After the luncheon, the visiting president and the commander exchanged souvenirs.

On arrival at Maha Lawka Marazein Kuthodaw Pagoda in Aungmyethazan Township , the Indian guests were welcomed by Director-General Dr Myo Myint of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana and members of the pagoda board of trustees.

Chancellor of Sitagu International Buddhist Academy Dr Ashin Ñanissara (D Litt) explained the salient point of the pagoda.

The Sayadaw conducted them round the pagoda and Pitakat stone inscriptions.

After signing in the visitors’ book, the Indian President presented cash donations to Director-General Dr Myo Myint.

The Indian President visited Maha Muni Buddha Image, and offered gold foils to the Buddha Image. The Indian President persented  cash donation to Chairman of the Pagoda Board of Trustees U Maung Pu. The visiting president signed in the visitors’ book.

Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and party left Mandalay for Yangon in the evening. They were seen off at the airport by Commander Maj-Gen Khin Zaw, Mayor Brig-Gen Phone Zaw Han, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, senior military officers, departmental officials and students.

India , Myanmar exchange views on academic matters

Yangon, 10 March—The visiting Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and members of his entourage, accompanied by Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Bhaskar Kumar Mitra and officials, visited the Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road in Kamayut Township here this morning.

They were welcomed there by Minister for Education Dr Chan Nyein, Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt, Deputy Director-General of the Higher Education Department ( Lower Myanmar ) U Sein Win, Pro-rector of Yangon University Dr Tun Khin and departmental officials.

Waving miniature flags of the two countries, teachers and students gave a warm welcome to the Indian visitors.

The Indian President and party were briefed by the deputy minister on the improvement of the education sector of the nation and the pro-rector, on the brief background history of the university of Yangon and conducting of masters degree courses and doctoral courses.

The Indian President said that there has been relationship between Yangon University and Calcutta University of the Republic of India for many years. He elaborated on academic matters of the universities and colleges of India , digital library, prescribing syllabuses for the universities in accordance with nature of work site, and science and technological research.

Dr Abdul Kalam replied to the queries raised by heads of department of Yangon University .

Minister Dr Chan Nyein presented the book on academic facts compiled by the Ministry of Education to the Indian President.

The Indian President briefed deans, associate professors, lecturers, faculty members and students of the universities and colleges in Yangon on educational functions of Indian universities, research, application of IT, taking measures for students to become exemplary ones, life long learning, e-Learning, tele-education, digital libraries, and academic matters of international universities.

He answered the questions put by the students. He presented educational books to the pro-rector.

The pro-rector presented a photo of Yangon University to the Indian President.

Indian President Dr Abdul Kalam signed the visitors’ book and cordially greeted the teachers and students.

Myanmar , India sign communication agreement

Yangon , 10 March — A ceremony to sign an agreement on communication cooperation between TCIL (Telecommunications Consultants India Limited) and Myanma Posts and Telecommunications under Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs of Myanmar took place at Grand Plaza Park Hotel on Alanpya Pagoda Road yesterday.

Present on the occasion were Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Director of Signals Maj-Gen Thein Tun, e-national task force member U Aung Myint and guests. 

Managing Director U Maung Maung Tin of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications and Technical Director Mr P Ganesh of TCIL of India explained matters on communications, signed the agreement and exchanged the documents. Later, they posed for a documentary photo.

Senior General Than Shwe bids farewell to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Yangon, 11 March — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe bade farewell to the goodwill delegation led by President of the Republic of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who had completed his State visit, at Yangon International Airport this morning.

Present at the airport together with Senior General Than Shwe were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Prime Minister General Soe Win, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, the Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command, the ministers, the Myanmar Ambassador to India, the Director-General of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, departmental heads, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Bhaskar Kumar Mitra and embassy staff.

At 10.30 am, the goodwill delegation led by President of the Republic of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam arrived at the VIP Lounge of Yangon International Airport. They were welcomed by Senior General Than Shwe and party. Senior General Than Shwe presented a documentary photo album on the State visit and VCD as gifts to the Indian President. Likewise, Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam presented books on the Republic of India as gifts to Senior General Than Shwe. Senior General Than Shwe and party bade farewell to the Indian goodwill delegation at the ramp of the special aircraft. Next, Senior General Than Shwe shook hands with the Indian President. When the special aircraft carrying the goodwill delegation led by President of the Republic of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam left Yangon International Airport at 11 am, Senior General Than Shwe and party waved them from the VIP Lounge of the airport.

UMFCCI President hosts dinner in honour of Indian President

Yangon , 11 March — Visiting President of the Republic of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam attended a dinner hosted in his honour by President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road at 8.30 pm yesterday. The Indian President was accompanied by high-ranking officers of the Indian Government and Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Bhaskar Kumar Mitra and embassy officials. Also present at the dinner were Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Myanmar Ambassador to India U Kyi Thein, departmental officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, vice-presidents of the UMFCCI and CEC members, entrepreneurs and guests. First, UMFCCI President U Win Myint extended greetings. Next, Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam explained industries, economy and technological matters. Entrepreneurs of the UMFCCI asked about investment opportunities between Myanmar and India . The Indian President replied to the questions. The Indian President and goodwill delegation members were served with dinner. After the dinner, Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam cordially greeted the entrepreneurs.