Myanmar, India ink Rakhine development MoU

Neighbouring India and Myanmar have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Rakhine State Development Programme with an objective to restore normalcy in Rakhine State and enable the repatriation of displaced persons.

As per the deal, the Indian government has proposed to take up a project, among others, to build prefabricated housing in Rakhine State so as to meet the immediate needs of the returning people.

Both the countries signed the bilateral document after Bangladesh and Myanmar agreed on a repatriation arrangement on November 23.

The MoU is the first Government to Government agreement signed by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement of Myanmar with a cooperation partner focused on socio-economic development and livelihood initiatives in Rakhine State, said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

This is, it said, intended to help the Government of Myanmar achieve its objective of restoration of normalcy in Rakhine State and enable the return of displaced persons.

A UNB story said the government of India, under this MoU, has proposed to take up, among others, a project to build prefabricated housing in Rakhine State so as to meet the immediate needs of returning people.

In addition to the Rakhine State project proposals, a number of ongoing friendship projects were reviewed. Issues regarding the operation and maintenance of Sittwe port and the road from Paletwa- Zorinpui were reviewed.

Other key projects such as the Rhi-Tiddim road project, the Trilateral Highway road from Kalewa to Yargyi, the project to build 69 bridges on the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa road, the Yamethin Police Training Centre and hospital projects, etc., were also discussed.  Foreign Secretary of India Dr S. Jaishankar is undertaking an official visit to Myanmar.  During the visit, he called on State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Union Minister in State Counsellor's Office Kyaw Tint Swe and Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye.

Issues relating to bilateral cooperation, including follow up on decisions taken during recent visit of Prime Minister of India to Myanmar, as well as matters pertaining to Rakhine State were discussed during these meetings.  Foreign Secretary of India and Myanmar Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Soe Aung signed the MoU.  Foreign Secretary earlier also called on Commander in Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Matters relating to security and bilateral cooperation as well as the situation in Northern Rakhine State were discussed.