IMPHAL, June 25: With the objective to strengthen the existing bilateral tie between India and Myanmar, the Ministry of External Affair Government of India has reportedly proposed for establishment of sister-city relationship between Imphal and Monywa in Sagaing region of Myanmar.
According highly placed sources, the purpose of the agreement is to establish friendship and co-operation besides creating mechanism for the implementation within the framework of their respective jurisdiction on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, in conformity with the law and policies of India as well as the international agreement inked by the two countries.
The sources further disclosed that once the agreement is signed, the two sides will maintain regular contacts including between the designated authorities and also undertake and exchanges involving delegations, interaction between institutions and sharing of experiences in the areas of mutual interest.
Further elaborating on the area of co-operation to be maintained, the same sources divulged that both sides will exchange the expertise and co-operation in the fields of service delivery, civic administration, land use planning and management, transport, shelter, education culture, sports, waste water and solid management, infrastructure, environment, public heath, science and technology, tourism, heritage management, urban renewable, urban and regional planning and related matters etc.
It said that the MAHUD may carry out the technical role including creation and operationalising a twinning cell, to frame a committee which would provide technical advise to the cell in return, maintain proper documentation regarding various activities undertaken, conduct community participation and any other agreement made by the parties.
Sources also informed that the parties are to conduct regular meetings and communicate on all programme, projects and activities, ensure funds and financial resources are available for implementation of any Joint Action Plan.
However, the agreement shall not have a legal binding obligation among the parties and is proposed by the Ministry for the agreement to remain inforce for three years.
The proposed draft agreement sent by the Ministry of External Affairs if approved may lead to the signing of the agreement and the announcement of the same was to be made by the Prime Minister of India to during his recent visit to Myanmar.
However, it is yet to be clear whether the agreement was approved or not.
The draft agreement was also sent to the State government as cabinet memorandum and subsequently approved by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/india-proposes-sistercity-relationship-between-imphal-and-monywa-in-myanmar/