Aung San Suu Kyi, the State Counsellor of Myanmar, called on President Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday, January 27, 2018.She was one of the 10 ASEAN leaders who graced the Republic Day parade on Friday as Chief Guest.
The President thanked Suu Kyi for her presence at the Republic Day and the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit. The President stated that India had a longstanding relationship with her and her family as she studied in New Delhi in the 1970s.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Mughal Gardens also have a special connection with her. The President presented her bush roses from the Long Garden of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The President said that Myanmar occupies the highest priority for India under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies. He assured India’s continued support to the Government of Myanmar in its peace process, and efforts towards national reconciliation and economic and social development.
The President said the India-Myanmar relationship will get a boost “if we ensure that our strong political and cultural bonds are supported by commerce. Bilateral trade of just over US $ 2 billion is not reflective of our close ties. There is immense scope for cooperation in sectors such as power, renewable energy, hydrocarbons and health.”