India has handed over 50 housing units in the Rakhine province to Myanmar on Tuesday during President Ram Nath Kovind's maiden visit to the country.
The housing units are part of a bigger developmental project, within which India is building 250 houses in Myanmar's Rakhine province.
Coinciding with President Kovind's visit, Myanmar has also announced a visa-on-arrival facility for Indian tourists entering the country through the international airports of Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon and Mandalay, according to an official press release.
President Kovind reached Myanmar on December 10, following which he met with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at the Presidential Palace where he was given a ceremonial welcome by Myanmar's President U. Win Myint on Tuesday.
Two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) have also been signed between Myanmar and India during President Kovind's visit - one in the area of judicial training and another on science and technology cooperation.
President Kovind lauded connectivity initiatives between the two countries during his meeting with Suu Kyi and pushed for an early conclusion of the Motor Vehicles Agreement. He also mentioned that the residents of India's Northeast region have welcomed and are beginning to reap the benefits of the Land-border Crossing Agreement concluded recently.
The President of India further described Myanmar as a "natural bridge" from India to Southeast Asia and ASEAN, underscoring that Myanmar is a key partner for India's "Act East" and "Neighbourhood First" policies.
He is now scheduled to take part in an official dinner hosted in his honour by the President of Myanmar, U. Win Myint.
On December 12, President Kovind and First Lady will emplane for Yangon after paying a visit to India-funded projects in Myanmar.
In Yangon, they will lay a wreath at the Martyr's Mausoleum, which is the resting place of General Aung San, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's late father, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The President and First Lady will also pay a visit to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in the city.
Later that evening, there will be a short meeting and a photo opportunity with veterans of the Indian National Army which will be followed by a community reception in which about 500 people, mostly persons of Indian origin, are invited.
On December 13, the President and the First Lady will visit the Shri Kali Temple and the Mazaar of last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.
President Kovind will then inaugurate 'Enterprise India' exhibition. This is an exhibition being set up by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) of about 45-50 Indian companies ranging from very large Indian companies to small enterprises to showcase Indian manufacturing capabilities and industrial technology.
On the morning of December 14, President Kovind and First Lady will depart for New Delhi after completing their engagements in Myanmar.
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