Information Sheet N0.A-0663 (I)

[OKKAR66129@xxxxxxx]

                                    MYANMAR INFORMATION COMMITTEE
                                                            YANGON
                            
                                                     Information   Sheet

                                       N0.A-0663 (I)         24th  October
1998 	


(1)		International Symposium on Interaction for Progress: Myanmar  In ASEAN
Commences

		The opening ceremony of International Symposium on Interaction for Progress:
Myanmar in ASEAN, sponsored by Office of Strategic Studies of Ministry of
Defence, Information and Resource Centre of Singapore and Sasakawa Peace
Foundation of Japan, was held at Sedona Hotel on 23 October morning. Director
of Information and Resource Centre (IRC) of Singapore Mr M Rajaretnam extended
greetings. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council and Chief of
the Office of Strategic Studies  Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an address. 

		In his address this symposium is the first be sponsored by the Office of
Strategic Studies(OSS) of the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with an
international organization for the year 1998. This is the second international
symposium that has been conducted by the OSS. Since 1996, the OSS has been
sponsoring symposia and seminars every year, so, this forum is the fourth to
be organized by the OSS. Since 1989, Myanmar has laid down and pursued new
policies that would be worthwhile and of benefit to the State, and in
accordance with these policies established contacts with the outside world.
Through this process of broadening its sphere of relations with the external
world Myanmar have succeeded in forging links with international think tanks
that would be of advantage and assistance to both the State and the Armed
Forces in their endeavours to build a developed and modern nation. Myanmar on
her part also changed, and is no longer her former aloof self. She now keeps
abreast of modern developments and has therefore increased her domain in
international relations. Myanmar, since becoming a member of ASEAN, has
established closer relations not only with fellow member nations, but of
necessity, has been obliged to deal with other nations on an international
level. It is very difficult to predict what world-wide changes the 21st
century will bring in its wake. The same is true of the entire Asian region.
Myanmar on her part, will not usher in the new century by giving precedence
only to her own development and progress irrespective of what may befall
others.  She will always take into consideration, relations with her
neighbouring countries  as well as with others in the  region.  And even if in
the course of these relations, unexpected difficulties and obstacles should
arise, she shall continue to cooperate with other nations for regional
development and security on the basis of mutual understanding and in a spirit
of friendship. 
 
		Minister at the Office of the Chairman of State Peace and Development
Council Brig-Gen Abel delivered an keynote address. Then, Deputy Minister for
Education Dr Than Nyunt chaired the symposium in the first session of first
day programme.  Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the State Secretary Dr Dewi
Fortuna Anawar of Indonesia presented a paper on the future of Asia in the
21st Century and the Role of ASEAN. Head of Department of the OSS Col Thein
Swe gave suggestions on the paper.  Dr Dewi Fortuna Anawar gave reply to the
questions raised.  Afterward, Representative of Southeast Asia Cooperation
Fund Ms Sachiko Ishikawa chaired the symposium in the second session of first
day programme and delivered an address. Professor Mr Rajah Rasiah (IKMS,
National University of Malaysia) presented a paper on economic stabilisation
in Asia and economic possibilities for future. Retired Professor of Institute
of Economic Daw Yi Yi Mya gave the suggestions on the second paper. Mr Rajah
Rasiah gave reply to the questions. The symposium ended in the afternoon. It
will continue on 24 October.

(2)		Her Royal Highness Princess of Thailand Offers Kathina Robes to Sayadaws

		Her Royal Highness Princess of Thailand Galayani Vadhana Krom Luang
Naradhivas Rajanagarindha, elder sister of the King of Thailand, and party
arrived Yangon by special flight at 10.30 am on 23 October for offering
communal Kathina robes in Yangon. Her Royal Highness Princess of Thailand and
party donated Kathina robes and offertories to members of the Sangha (Monks)
at Pariyatti Saddhammapala Aungmyaybontha Shan Kyaungtaik (Monastery) in
Mayangon Township, Yangon at 11 am to mark the 72nd birthday of the King of
Thailand. 

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