Nay Pyi Taw (Myanmar), May 28 (ANI): India and Myanmar on Monday emphasised the importance of enhancing connectivity between the two countries as a means of promoting commercial, cultural, touristic and other exchanges between the peoples of the two countries.

In a joint statement issued after one-to-one and delegation-level talks, Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Myanmar President U Thein Sein expressed satisfaction at the steady progress being made on the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project.

Both welcomed the finalisation of the site of the Land Customs Station at Zorinpui (Mizoram) following joint inspection by Indian and Myanmar delegations in April 2012.

It was noted that the project would enhance bilateral trade, people to people contact and contribute to the development and prosperity of the people living in the 'land locked' North Eastern region of India.

Dr. Singh also announced that India would undertake the task of repair/ upgradation of 71 bridges on the Tamu- Kalewa friendship Road.

The two leaders decided that India would undertake the upgradation of the Kalewa-Yargyi road segment to highway standard while Myanmar would undertake that of upgradation of the Yargyi-Monywa stretch to highway standard by 2016.

This project would help in establishing trilateral connectivity from Moreh in India to Mae Sot in Thailand via Myanmar.

Both leaders welcomed the revival of the Joint Task Force on the Trilateral Highway between India-Myanmar -Thailand. It was agreed that efforts would be made to establish seamless trilateral connectivity by 2016.

Taking into account the importance of enabling people-to-people contacts, the two sides agreed to launch a trans-border bus service from Imphal, India to Mandalay.

Both leaders directed the concerned officials from both sides to finalise all modalities to enable its early operationalisation.

They also welcomed the signing of the new Air Service agreement, which would enhance direct air connectivity and facilitate easy business interaction, tourism and people-to people exchanges.

The two leaders decided to constitute a Joint Working Group to determine the technical and commercial feasibility of cross-border rail links and the commercial feasibility of direct shipping links between the two countries.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of Indian participation in development of key infrastructure projects, like Dawei port in Myanmar. (ANI)