Myanmar-Nepal Joint Statement issued on the occasion of the State Visit of the Rt. Hon. Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari, President of Nepal, to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
(16-20 October 2019)
- At the invitation of His Excellency U Win Myint, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Right Honourable Bidya Devi Bhandari, President of Nepal, paid a State Visit to Myanmar from 16 to 20 October 2019. She was accompanied by a high-level Nepali delegation comprising of the Honourable Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Minister for Foreign Affairs and high ranking government officials.
- This visit, the first by a Head of State to Myanmar in the past 39 years, reinforces the bonds of friendship and the tradition of high-level interaction between leaders of the two countries. It is also a historic, important milestone in the bilateral relations reflecting the hallmark of the close and friendly ties between the two countries.
- A ceremonial welcome was accorded to President Bhandari at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw on 17 October, 2019. Following the ceremony, President U Win Myint and President Bhandari held a bilateral meeting where both leaders had cordial discussions and exchanged views on the promotion of bilateral relations and cooperation as well as closer collaboration in regional and multilateral spheres. President U Win Myint hosted a State Banquet in honour of the visiting Nepali President and her entourage.
- Her Excellency Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar called on the President Bhandari on the same day. They held discussions in a friendly atmosphere, exchanging views on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of common interest. The State Counsellor and the President of Nepal also witnessed the signing of the following Memoranda of Understanding:
- Tourism Cooperation between Myanmar and Nepal;
- Cultural Cooperation between Myanmar and Nepal.
- During the meetings, the leaders extolled the commonalities, culture and traditions which have established close affinities between the two peoples and countries. Both sides discussed matters pertaining to the enhancement of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of tourism, trade and investment, transportation, industry and culture. Noting the existing potential for investment, the two sides agreed to work together to facilitate the promotion of bilateral trade and investments.
- On the same day, Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services, also called on the President of Nepal.
- Myanmar reaffirmed its readiness to render support for the success of the Nepali Government’s “Visit Nepal Year (2020)” and for the National objective of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali”.
- Bearing in mind that the establishment of diplomatic relations will mark the 60th anniversary in 2020, both sides agreed to commemorate the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Myanmar and Nepal by jointly hosting a series of events in both countries.
- The leaders also acknowledged with great pleasure the role of Nepali diasporas in Myanmar in forging the existing bonds of friendship between Myanmar and Nepal by integrating well into Myanmar society, sharing in a peaceful, happy and harmonious life.
- The two sides reaffirmed their commitments to work closely, not only in the bilateral context but also in regional and multilateral fora, including BIMSTEC and the United Nations, based on shared views on a number of issues of common interest.
- While in Myanmar, the delegation led by the Nepali President visited cultural and historical sites of significance and met with the people of Nepali origin.
- President Bhandari expressed her deep appreciation to President U Win Myint and First Lady Daw Cho Cho for the warm welcome and exceptional hospitality extended to her and the Nepali delegation during their stay in Myanmar.
Nay Pyi Taw
20 October 2019