PM meets Suu Kyi, lauds her struggle towards democracy

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had words of praise for democracy icon and Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi who he met on Tuesday.

On the last day of his trip to Myanmar, the Prime Minister met Suu Kyi and said her "life, struggle and determination" had inspired people around the world.

He expressed hope that Suu Kyi would play a defining role in the national reconciliation process launched by Myanmar President Thein Sein.

"I convey to her our very best wishes for success of the noble endeavour she and her colleagues are into," Singh said.

The Prime Minister also handed over an invitation letter from Congress chief Sonia Gandhi to deliver the annual Jawaharlal Nehru memorial lecture.

During the hour-long meeting, Suu Kyi, the leader of Myanmar's opposition party the National League for Democracy (NLD) stressed the two countries should "contribute to peace and stability in the region".

"India and Burma have been friends not only because of our geographical positions, but also because of our shared ties of friendship for many long years," the veteran activist said.

"As I said to the prime minister, true friendship between the countries can be based only on friendship between our peoples, and this is what I hope we will be able to achieve," she added.

Suu Kyi, who spent 15 of the past 22 years under house arrest, won a seat in parliament in historic by-elections in April. Her entry into the Parliament has raised hopes for a strong democratic government after almost 50 years of military rule.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Singh on Monday held talks with Myanmar President Thein Sein on a range of issues, including trade, development and security

About 12 agreements, including a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on a $500 million credit line was signed by both the countries.

Prime Minister Singh reiterated India's readiness to extend all necessary assistance in accelerating the country's democratic transition and developing the capacity of democratic institutions such as the Parliament, National Human Rights Commission and the Media.

In a speech at a banquet hosted in his honour by Sein, Singh said the agreements signed "have put in place a roadmap for the rapid development of our relations in the years ahead".
"The people of Myanmar have shown great vision in embarking on a journey of national reconciliation and transition. This has been made possible largely by the President's vision and statesmanship. The people of India stand ready to support your efforts to create a democratic, stable and prosperous Myanmar," Singh said.

Singh is the first Indian prime minister to visit Myanmar since Rajiv Gandhi's trip in December, 1987.