President U Min Aung Hlaing meets Myanmar diplomatic staff, families and government scholars in India

President U Min Aung Hlaing, who is on an official visit to India, met with staff and family members of the Myanmar Embassy and Defence Attaché Office, as well as government scholarship trainees, in New Delhi on the evening of May 30.

Upon arrival at the Myanmar Embassy, the President was welcomed by embassy personnel, defence attaché staff and their family members before signing the embassy guest book.

In his address, the President noted that the visit marked his first overseas trip as Head of State at the invitation of the Indian government since assuming office. He highlighted the longstanding friendship between Myanmar and India, emphasizing the two countries' shared border, historical ties and cultural similarities.

The President said that the Tatmadaw assumed its responsibilities in accordance with the 2008 Constitution following what he described as vote rigging in the 2020 multiparty democratic general election. He stated that, despite the political challenges, efforts had been made to continue advancing the multiparty democratic system desired by the people and to cooperate with previous democratic governments in the interests of the nation.

The President noted that peace negotiations had been conducted during the first democratic government and that ethnic rights were already guaranteed under the 2008 Constitution. Referring to the second democratic administration, he said governance weaknesses had affected the country's image and alleged that concerns over electoral support had led to election irregularities.

According to the President, political parties reported the alleged irregularities following the election, and repeated requests for action were made to the authorities at the time. He said these concerns were not addressed, resulting in the Tatmadaw assuming state responsibilities in accordance with constitutional provisions. He added that subsequent international sanctions created additional challenges for national development efforts.

The President stated that comprehensive measures had since been taken to ensure free and fair elections and that the elections had been successfully conducted. He said the elected government is now carrying out state responsibilities through a parliament composed of representatives chosen by the people, while the country continues to move forward on the path of multiparty democracy in accordance with the 2008 Constitution.

He also emphasized that the Constitution was drafted and implemented in line with the will of the people. While acknowledging the need for amendments to reflect changing circumstances, he said any revisions would be discussed and enacted through parliamentary approval, while safeguarding provisions considered vital to the interests of the nation.

He further stressed the importance of strengthening the country's education sector, noting that improvements in knowledge, skills and human resources are essential for national development. The President also highlighted the need for economic reforms, increased domestic production and sustainable development initiatives during the current administration's term.

The President encouraged embassy and defence attaché families serving in India to contribute to the country's development, strengthen their professional capabilities and make productive use of opportunities to improve their English-language proficiency and computer skills. He also urged them to actively support cooperation between Myanmar and India, maintain unity while serving abroad and pay attention to their health and well-being.

Following the address, the President presented food supplies and honoraria to embassy families, defence attaché office personnel and scholarship trainees. The donations were received by Myanmar Ambassador to India U Zaw Oo, Military Attaché (Army, Navy and Air) Brigadier General Zaw Moe Lwin and representatives of the scholarship trainees.

The President and members of the delegation later attended a dinner hosted by the Myanmar Embassy and Defence Attaché Office families in India.

The event was attended by Union ministers accompanying the President, Ambassador U Zaw Oo and his wife, Brigadier General Zaw Moe Lwin and his wife, embassy and defence attaché office families, scholarship trainees and invited officials.