Some powerful countries interfere in the internal affairs of small countries for various reasons to cause deterioration and disintegrating unity with the use of various ways and means, said Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at the Myanmar-Russia Friendship and Cooperation Forum in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of founding the diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Russian Federation, at the Myanmar International Convention Centre-II in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
First, the Senior General and Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Myanmar Mr Nikolay Listopadov and party viewed round the documentary video and photos on friendly relations between Russia and Myanmar at the MICC-II.
Then, the video clip on friendly relations and cooperation between Myanmar and Russia in successive eras was presented.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said that Russia and Myanmar will continue cooperation with each other as friendship countries and allied countries forever, and both sides will focus on the further establishment of Russia-Myanmar friendship associations, exchange of goodwill visits of both governments and senior military officers, cooperation in trade and economy, enhancement of tourism, cooperation in language and culture, further sending of civilian and military scholarship students, development of human resources, cooperation in humanitarian measures, and further improvement of international and regional relations.
In retrospect, Russia and Myanmar have been enhancing close relations between them based on mutual understanding, economic opportunity and strategic cooperation although the two countries are separated by oceans and continents in geographical conditions.
Russia was the sixth country Myanmar established diplomatic relations with. As they have been cementing diplomatic relations since 1948 when Myanmar regained independence, friendly relations between them have been flourishing.
The Declaration of Independence of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar mentions, “We shall be loyal to our independence and our State steadfastly as long as the world exists. As our country is independent, we shall follow the ethics the world’s independent countries fairly exercise. As we love our independence, we shall hold the independence of other countries in high regard. As we aspire to peace, we shall join hands with others like us to safeguard world peace. Let the whole world know our declaration”.
The declaration indicates the spirit of Myanmar citizens in adoring the independence, placing an emphasis on peace and willingness to protect world peace.
Nowadays, some powerful countries interfere in the internal affairs of small countries for various reasons to cause deterioration and disintegrating unity with the use of various ways and means. On one hand, they pose pressure and intimidation, bullying and discrimination to small countries based on different concepts.
Especially, it is regrettable that those countries are constantly posing pressure and coercion to geopolitically important Myanmar to shape its situation as they like and to widen their influence, committing criticism, imposing sanctions and interfering in internal affairs.
Hence, the Senior General expressed his thanks to the Russian leaders and citizens for their standing with Myanmar as a good friend to overcome challenges based on negative views and attempts of the utter devastation being committed by some big countries.
Myanmar pledges to constantly focus on the enhancement of friendly relations and cooperation with Russia. Efforts will be made for the booming interests of both countries and friendly relations between the peoples of both countries.
Myanmar, which is a developing country, is initially exercising the democratic system, and actively cooperates with regional organizations including the UN and global countries despite facing many challenges. Myanmar expects the UN would help the global countries become a prosperous global community with peace, harmony and justice.
The Senior General urged the Russian Federation to cooperate in bilateral relations, trading, tourism, culture and sports sectors and other sectors. Myanmar government is ready to cooperate with any country, organization or person who desires the interests of Myanmar.
Since the post-independence period, Myanmar has been exercising the five-point principles of peaceful co-existence steadfastly as well as the independent, active and non-aligned policy in enhancing relations with countries for ensuring global peace.
The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Myanmar in his speech said that currently, both countries are striving for further promotion of friendly ties and investment. Cooperation is being enhanced in education, human resource development, sports and health sectors. Both countries initiate cooperation in measures on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The Russian Federation always desires peace and stability and development of Myanmar and pledges to promote cooperation with Myanmar.
The Senior General and party enjoyed the song on Rossiya Vperod presented by vocalists from the Myawady Entertainment Troupe under the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare.
The Senior General and the Russian Ambassador had documentary photos taken together with attendees.
Afterwards, the forum was presided over by U Ko Ko followed by discussions of U Khin Maung Zaw, Dr Naing Swe Oo and U Kyaw Lin Oo on current and future relations between Myanmar and Russia, and in the afternoon session, Dr Nanda Hmun, Dr Maung Thynn and U Ye Min Aung discussed the topic on Myanmar-Russia relations and benefits over Myanmar’s socio-economy.
The Union Minister for Information gave a concluding remark and vocalists from Myawady Entertainment Troupe presented the song Nedejda. — MNA/TTA
