Nay Pyi Taw September 29
Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing paid working visits to the Russian Federation at the invitation of President of the Russian Federation H.E. Vladimir Vladi-mirovich Putin and to the Republic of Kazakhstan at the invitation of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This morning, the high-level Myanmar delegation left the Astana Airport of Kazakhstan, and those delegation members were seen off at the airport by First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Mr. Roman Sklyar of Kazakhstan, Myanmar Ambassador to the Russian Federation U Thit Linn Ohn, and officials.
On his way back to Myanmar, the Acting President and SSPC Chairman of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar replied to queries raised by media aboard the aircraft and the full text of the question and answer session is presented as follows:-
Q. As the Acting President, by attending the “World Atomic Week Forum” held at the Atom Museum in Moscow, the Russian Federation, what benefits have we gained for Myanmar and its citizens? I would like to understand in which sectors these benefits for the State can be effectively realized.
A. I attended the World Atomic Week Forum in Moscow at the invitation of President Putin. At the forum, I had the opportunity to meet with President Putin, the Belarusian President, the Prime Ministers of Armenia and Ethiopia, other leaders, and the Director General of the IAEA. We were able to discuss areas for potential bilateral cooperation. This was a unique conference, primarily focused on exchanging views regarding the peaceful use of nuclear energy. As a member country of the IAEA, Myanmar also participated in discussions on how nuclear energy can be used for human-beneficial purposes. The benefits we gained from attending the forum are considerable.
Q. During the trip to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan, it is observed that the Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar held several meetings and discussions. Please explain what benefits or positive outcomes were achieved for our country through these discussions.
A . I was able to have a separate meeting with President Putin. Such a meeting was held in March. Based on the outcomes of that meeting, we reviewed the progress and assessed the situation. Both sides evaluated the results and discussed how to further expand areas of cooperation. Initially, our discussions focused on trade and investment, energy, transportation, defence cooperation, as well as collaboration in space and nuclear sectors.
Similarly, upon arriving in Kazakhstan, I held a meeting and discussions with the President of Kazakhstan. This was our second discussion, the first having taken place in March. Based on the outcomes of the initial meeting, we discussed which sectors to further expand, where to make investments in Myanmar, and how Myanmar’s products could be used to produce high-value goods in Kazakhstan. We also explored collaboration in science and technology, as well as urban development sectors. I can say that the discussions produced very positive results.
Q. I know you are the first-ever Head of State of Myanmar as the Acting Presi-dent paying the visit to Kazakhstan. I would like to know whether, in the future, cooperation and investment between Myanmar and Kazakhstan can be further expanded and strengthened.
A. As I mentioned earlier, this was my second meeting with the President of Kazakhstan. Myanmar and Kazakhstan have maintained diplomatic relations for 26 years. Diplomatic ties were established on 26 September 1999, and I arrived there on the 27 September, one day after the relation date. So, it coincided with the 26th anniversary, which was a special occasion. The Kazakh President also highlighted this significance. This was the first visit by a Myanmar head of state to Kazakhstan, marking a new step in bilateral relations. As I mentioned earlier, we were able to discuss areas of economic cooperation, future investment opportunities, collaboration in science and technology, education, and healthcare. Kazakhstan is a developed country, rich in natural resources, especially underground resources such as oil and natural gas, as well as copper, gold, chromium, and iron. Kazakhstan is one of the world’s top exporting countries. It is also engaged in both agriculture and livestock activities. Their wheat ranks among the best globally, based on sample testing. Similarly, Myanmar’s main export product is Pawsan rice, which has attracted considerable interest. Discussions were held on how Myanmar could export this product. Overall, the opportunity to meet and engage revealed that both countries are eager to expand bilateral cooperation across various sectors with enthusiasm and commitment.
Q. When building a modern, developed, and progressive nation, the Head of State and the State Government are laying out and implementing various processes from all sides. Additionally, as the Acting President, could you please explain how the citizens should actively come together and collaborate in this endeavour?
A. Primarily, we need to strive from all aspects. On one hand, despite political differences of opinion, it is necessary to work with a broad vision, aiming for the benefit of the Union. I see a weakness in what some are saying. Mainly, it’s about what some are saying regarding political, religious, and ethnic issues. We believe it would be better if these statements and actions were made with an even broader perspective. On the other hand, we also need our own efforts. The efforts should be in two parts. One part must focus on education. This is undeniable. I see that the actual situation in the country is one of educational weakness. Secondly, it is production and work. We must definitely do these two things. I have said this before. We used to rely on selling natural resources. We might sell mineral resources, oil and gas resources, and forestry products. However, our exports of products that require work and production are weak. I point this out.
Therefore, we need to utilize the land, water, forests, and mountains we have and move into manufacturing industries. That is a solid enterprise. Selling raw natural resources, as mentioned earlier, is not a solid enterprise. A solid enterprise requires work. When I went to Kazakhstan, I noticed something. They present three sectors in their GDP: the large agricultural sector, the large industrial sector, and the large service sector. I noticed their agricultural sector is quite small. I saw that the industrial and service sectors are quite large. The agricultural sector is only about 20 percent. They probably also realize this. I see they are quite supportive of agricultural production. They say that if you come to their country to work, they grant permission within a very short period. In our case, regarding production, everyone needs to be interested. We must first start with production rather than just trade, and through production, generate national income. I want to say that the State needs to take note of this.
Q. This trip has been a successful one, and I am also proud and pleased to witness the efforts the Acting President carried out day and night. As the Acting President, could you also share the successes achieved during this trip?
A. It is a successful trip. When we went, we were able to sign a cooperation agreement concerning nuclear affairs. Another time, we were able to sign a cooperation agreement related to space. An agreement has been reached on these two matters. That also marks the beginning of new steps for the country. Another is Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan officially gained independence only after 1991. But its historical foundation is very deep. When they utilize their human resources and natural resources, the current progress is clearly visible. Similarly, the construction of Astana city started only a little earlier than our Nay Pyi Taw. Due to the favourable terrain, the construction efforts were impressive and provided examples to learn from. I went and observed. We can also consider and implement how to carry out such progressive urban development in our country. This is also a success I would like to mention.
