NSA Doval meets Myanmar PM in Naypyidaw, discusses conflict, politics, elections – Firstpost

Myanmar Prime Minister General Min Aung Hlain met with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and discussed measures to bring peace and stability to the border region.

Doval was in Myanmar to lead the Indian delegation to the fourth annual meeting of the security chiefs of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council, received Doval at his office on Friday.

According to Myanmar’s Global New LightDuring the meeting, the government gazette representatives cordially exchanged views on the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries, the political progress of Myanmar, preparations for holding free and fair multi-party democratic general elections, and efforts to bring peace and stability to the border region.

According to the newspaper, Myanmar is seeking to bring peace and stability to the border region with India.

The two countries share a 1,643-km-long border running through Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted in the national capital foreign ministers of the Bay of Bengal Initiative member countries for the BIMSTEC group, who were expected to strengthen cooperation among the Bay of Bengal countries.

BIMSTEC is a regional organisation that brings together countries around the Bay of Bengal to promote economic growth, trade and cooperation in areas such as transport, energy and counter-terrorism.

The aim of the organisation is to strengthen relations and support economic development among member states, which include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

BIMSTEC is a regional beacon of cooperation, striving to achieve rapid economic development and social progress through joint initiatives among member states. Based on the principles of equality and partnership, BIMSTEC aims to address common challenges and seize common opportunities in seven strategic sectors.

Each member country leads specific sectors, reflecting its expertise and commitment to shared progress: Bangladesh is a leader in trade, investment and development, including maritime economy, leveraging its strategic location and marine resources. Sri Lanka focuses on science, technology and innovation, including health and human resource development, supporting advances in research and human capital.

Bhutan is leading the charge on environment and climate change, including mountain management, emphasizing sustainable practices in the face of ecological challenges. India is taking responsibility for security, including energy and disaster management, contributing expertise in disaster preparedness and strategic energy management.

Myanmar oversees agriculture and food security, including fisheries and livestock, supporting sustainable food production and rural development. Nepal, in turn, promotes people-to-people contacts, including poverty alleviation, cultural exchanges, and poverty reduction initiatives.

Thailand is leading the charge for connectivity by strengthening regional infrastructure and transportation networks to facilitate seamless connectivity among member states. BIMSTEC also emphasizes cooperation with international and regional organizations, aligning its goals with global development agendas to maximize impact.

BIMSTEC, through its commitment to mutual assistance, joint projects and capacity building, aims to translate collective efforts into tangible benefits that will improve livelihoods and promote inclusive growth across the Bay of Bengal region.

Based on information from the agency.