India's foreign minister says Burma is a valuable neighbor and that New Delhi is seeking a long-term partnership with Rangoon.
K. Natwar Singh is in Burma on a three-day visit to meet with Burmese leaders, including head of state Than Shwe, Prime Minister Soe Win and Foreign Minister U Nyan Win.
On Sunday, Mr. Singh is scheduled to be in the central Burmese city of Mandalay to meet with the area's Indian population.
The leaders are discussing security, strategic issues and energy projects, including an oil exploration deal between India and Burma about which Rangoon is said to have expressed some reservations.
The Indian foreign minister's visit comes at a time when Burma's military government is again under global pressure to release Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest.
Information for this report is provided by AFP.
