The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The visit of Vice-Senior General of Myanmar Maung Aye to Bangladesh from today would open up a new horizon of friendship and cooperation between Dhaka and Yangon,

Myanmar's Ambassador in Dhaka said yesterday.

Ambassador U Phae Than made the remarks when he called on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at the CA's office and conveyed the greetings of general Maung Aye to the Chief Adviser.

He apprised the Chief Adviser that a high-powered delegation including seven important cabinet Ministers, Chiefs of Navy and Air Force and businessmen are accompanying the vice-senior general on the trip. Among them are ministers of Energy, Trade, Communications and immigration.

"It shows this significant visit is to further strengthen the relationship to pave the way of cooperation in new areas," the diplomat said.

General Maung Aye, vice-chairman of the ruling State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, arrives here today for a three-day official visit.

He is likely to lead a 55-member delegation on the top-level trip.

The CA said he is looking forward to meeting and welcoming the vice-senior general, expressing the hope that the ties between the two countries will further expand following his visit.

He told the ambassador that a wide range of issues, including trade, communications, road link, contract farming, food and energy, would be discussed during talks with the Myanmar government leader.

Dr Fakhruddin noted that Bangladesh and Myanmar have historically long ties and common cultural values and so on. Higher-level visits have taken the bilateral relationship onto higher planes.

The head of caretaker government thanked Myanmar for support to Bangladesh in becoming member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

The Ambassador said Bangladesh and Myanmar support each other in various international forums.

He expressed gratitude for Bangladesh's cooperation in the aftermath of the powerful cyclone Nargis that battered Myanmar recently.

The diplomat also apprised the CA of general election in Myanmar in 2010.

The CA also informed him about general election in Bangladesh on December 18.

CA's press secretary Syed Fahim Munaim who was present at the meeting briefed newsmen about the meeting.

Secretary of CA's office Kazi M Aminul Islam was also present at the meeting.