Malaysia, Myanmar Committed To Enhancing Ties

NAYPYITAW (Myanmar), March 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysian and Myanmar leaders have agreed to foster greater political linkages and cooperation in strategic fields and elevate the levels of trade and investment to enhance bilateral relations. Their commitment is outlined in a joint statement issued at the end of the meeting between visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak (right) and Myanmar President U Thein Sein (second from right) at the Union President's Office here Wednesday. Najib, who arrived here earlier Wednesday for a two-day official visit to Myanmar, held a restricted meeting with Thein Sein after being accorded an official welcome. Expressing satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations at all levels and positive growth in trade and investment, the two leaders reaffirmed the commitment to consolidate existing bilateral relations and strive for greater cooperation in strategic areas of mutual interest. "Both leaders agreed that mutual trust and understanding, including constant engagement in dialogue, are the ingredients for elevating the friendly and constructive relations between the two countries," said the statement. Both sides agreed to convene the first Joint Commission Meeting, to be headed by the respective foreign ministers, to continuously facilitate consultation and cooperation in the areas of common interest at a mutually agreed date. The two leaders agreed to foster political linkages through exchanges of visits at all levels in order to further enhance government-to-government cooperation and people-to-people contacts. Both leaders also agreed to explore the possibilities of expanding cooperation in potential sectors in the Myanmar economy, particularly in plantation, agriculture, energy, construction, manufacturing, telecommunications, tourism and hospitality where Malaysia has the experience. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the close cooperation between the two countries in the areas of labour and human resources and both countries acknowledged the important contribution of Myanmar's labour force to Malaysia's economic development. The two sides also agreed to continue working together in the capacity building field through specific identified training courses under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) according to Myanmar's immediate needs. The Malaysian and Myanmar leaders also looked forward to collaborating closely to ensure the success of Myanmar's chairmanship of Asean in 2014 before the eventual succession of Malaysia in 2015. The two leaders welcomed the cooperation in the field of training for young and mid-level diplomatic officers to enhance the skills of officers in light of Myanmar's chairmanship of Asean in 2014. Both sides also agreed to enhance collaboration in the field of sports through assistance and sharing of experience vis-a-vis Myanmar's preparation in hosting the SEA Games next year. The leaders of both countries reaffirmed that the official visit by Najib to Myanmar has further strengthened the bilateral ties. Najib also extended an invitation to Thein Sein to undertake an official visit to Malaysia. (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA