PM invites Suu Kyi to deliver Nehru memorial lecture next year

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today invited Myanmar’s iconic opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to deliver the next Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Lecture in India next year. Speaking after his historic meeting with Suu Kyi, the premier made a statement saying, “I have handed over to her the invitation letter to deliver which is a very prestigious lecture. Mrs. Sonia Gandhi has written an invitation letter to Madam to do us the honour to deliver this lecture in India.” [caption id=“attachment_324779” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“The Prime Minister emphasized the close ties with the Indian govt and Suu Kyi: PMO”]  [/caption] The premier also drew attention to the close ties that the Indian government has historically had with Suu Kyi and her family saying, “As you all know, India and Burma have been particularly close over the years not just because of our geographical positions but because we have shared deep ties of friendship for many many long years.” He added that “her struggle, and her determination have inspired millions of people all over the world”, and said “Our sincere belief is that in the Process of National Reconciliation which has been launched by President Thein Sein, Madam Suu Kyi will play a defining role.” Suu Kyi meanwhile declared herself to be “very gratified” at the Premier’s invitation to deliver the and said, “I hope that I will be able to take up this invitation before too long. Suu Kyi noted that the the struggle for India’s independence took place at the same time as the struggle for Burma’s independence, and added “My parents were great admirers of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and other Indian leaders, but we were particularly close to Panditji as I was taught to call him from a very young age.” India awarded Suu Kyi with the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding in 1992.