India's foreign minister says Burma is a valuable neighbor and that his government is seeking a long-term partnership with the Burmese leadership.
K. Natwar Singh made the remark Friday in Rangoon after holding talks with his Burmese counterpart, U Nyan Win. The two officials discussed various issues, including an oil exploration deal and cooperation to counter insurgent activities in the border region between the countries. Mr. Singh, who is on a three-day visit to Burma, is due to meet Saturday with Burmese head of state Than Shwe. Later in the day, India's foreign minister is scheduled to be in the Burmese city of Mandalay to meet with the area's Indian population.