[myanmar_information] THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Tuesday, March 18, 2003)

Subject: [myanmar_information] THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Tuesday, March 18, 2003)
From: Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2003 19:58:21 -0800 (PST)
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THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Tuesday, March 18, 2003)
---------------------------
1.  Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing 
    arrive back from Vietnam
2.  Senior General Than Shwe calls on President Tran 
    Duc Luong of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
3.  SRV President and wife host dinner to Myanmar 
    delegation led by Senior General Than Shwe 
    and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing
4.  Senior General Than Shwe meets Vietnamese PM 
5.  Senior General Than Shwe lays wreaths in Hanoi
6.  Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing 
    Kyaing arrive in Hanoi
7.  Daw Kyaing Kyaing meets Vietnamese President's 
    wife Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh
8.  Senior General Than Shwe calls on Chairman of 
    National Assembly of the Socialist Republic 
    of Vietnam
9.  Appointment of Ambassador agreed on 
10. Myanmar, Vietnam issue Joint Statement
    Myanmar and Vietnam issued a Joint Statement on 
    the occasion of the State Visit of Senior General 
    Than Shwe to Vietnam in Hanoi on 17 March.
11. 558 foreign merchants arrive 
12. Secretary-1 inspects extension of Strand Road, 
    upgrading of Wadan jetty areas
13. USDA Management Multiplier Course ends
14. Parade columns entertained
15. Forms for gems and jade blocks to be submitted
16. Taboung festival held
17. Drug traffickers sentenced
----------------------------
1.  Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing 
    arrive back from Vietnam 
 

Yangon, 17 March- Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior
General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing arrived
back here this evening after paying a state visit to
the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the invitation of
President of the SRV Mr Tran Duc Luong and Madame
Nguyen Thi Vinh.

The Myanmar delegation led by Senior General Than Shwe
and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing was welcomed back at Yangon
International Airport by Secretary-1 of the State
Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and
wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, member of the State Peace
and Development Council Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and
wife, members of the State Peace and Development
Council and their wives, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy)
and the Commander-in-Chief (Air) and their wives, the
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council and wife, the ministers, senior military
officers, ambassadors and charge d' affaires ai of
embassies in Yangon and their wives led by Deputy Dean
of Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Cambodia Mr Nim
Chantara, resident representatives of UN Agencies, the
charge d' affaires ai of Vietnamese Embassy and staff
and military and civilian officials.

Together with the Senior General and wife, Secretary-2
of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe
Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Chairman of Mandalay
Division Peace and Development Council Commander of
Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Sagaing
Division Peace and Development Council Commander of
North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister for
Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister
for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Commerce
Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win
Aung and wife, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries
Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for Energy
Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Health Professor Dr
Kyaw Myint, Military Assistant to the Chairman of the
State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Nay Win,
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win,
Director-General of the State Peace and Development
Council Chairman's Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein,
departmental officials and entrepreneurs also arrived
back on the same flight.
--------------
2.  Senior General Than Shwe calls on President Tran 
    Duc Luong of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam 

Yangon, 17 March - Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior
General Than Shwe paid a courtesy call on President
Tran Duc Loung of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at
the Hall-B of the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, at
2.15 pm on 15 March.

Present on the occasion were Secretary-2 of the State
Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Chairman
of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint,
Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe
Naing, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen
Nyunt Tin, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung,
Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for
Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Livestock and
Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for
Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw
Myint, Military Assistance to the Chairman of the
State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Nay Win,
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win,
Myanmar Ambassador U Khin Aung, Director-General of
the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet,
Director-General of Political Affairs U Thaung Tun,
Deputy Prime Minister Mr Nguyen Tan Dung, Minister of
Foreign Affairs Mr Nguyen Dy Nein, Chairman of the
Presidential Office Mr Nguyen Van Chien, Minister of
Trade Mr Tuong Dinh Tuyen, Minister of Agriculture and
Rural Development Mr Le Huy Ngo, Minister of Industry
Mr Haong Trung Hai, Minister of Public Health Madame
Tran Thi Trung Chien and vice ministers, Vietnamese
Ambassador Pham Quang Khoan to Myanmar and
high-ranking officials. 

On the occasion, the two Heads of State exchanged
views on nation-building experience and cordially
discussed matters relating to bilateral relations
between the two countries, regional affairs and
international affairs.

Senior General Than Shwe explained the purpose of his
visit to the SRV that he and his entourage arrived
there to further strengthen friendship relations
between the two countries. He also expressed his wish
to promote bilateral cooperation in every sector. 

President Tran Duc Loung said that the State visit of
Senior General Than Shwe to Vietnam is a very
important one for bilateral relations of the two
countries and it must be recorded in the history of
Myanmar-Vietnam relations. The SRV will make
cooperations with Myanmar in economic sector and
arrangements have already made to cooperate in
education, health and social sectors. He also spoke of
the importance of unity among ASEAN member nations in
international affairs. 
----------------
3.  SRV President and wife host dinner to Myanmar 
    delegation led by Senior General Than Shwe 
    and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing  

Yangon, 17 March-President of the Socialist Republic
of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong and Madame Nguyen Thi
Vinh hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting Myanmar
goodwill delegation led by Chairman of the State Peace
and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and
wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing at the International Conference
Centre in Hanoi on 15 March evening.

Present on the occasion together with Senior General
Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing were Secretary-2
of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe
Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Chairman of Mandalay
Division Peace and Development Council Commander of
Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Sagaing
Division Peace and Development Council Commander of
North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister for
Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister
for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Commerce
Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win
Aung and wife Daw San Yon, Minister for Livestock and
Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for
Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw
Myint, Military Assistant to the Chairman of the State
Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Nay Win, Deputy
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Myanmar
Ambassador to the SRV U Khin Aung and wife,
Director-General of the State Peace and Development
Council's Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein and heads of
department, Military Attaché Col Tin Soe, President of
the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of
Commerce and Industry U Win Myint and businessmen.

Present on the occasion together with President of the
Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong and
Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh were Deputy Prime Minister Mr
Vu Khoam, the ministers, the deputy ministers, the
Ambassador of the SRV to Myanmar and high-ranking
officers. The ambassadors of ASEAN member nations to
the SRV were also present on the occasion.

Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing
left the Melia Hanoi Hotel and arrived at
International Conference Centre by car. They were
welcomed there by Vietnamese President Mr Tran Duc
Luong and Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh.
Then, the dinner was hosted at the first-floor of ICC.

At the dinner, Vietna-mese President Mr Tran Duc Luong
made a speech. He said:
On behalf of the State and people of Vietnam, I would
like to extend my warmest welcome to Your Excellency
Mr Chairman, Senior General and Madame and members of
the Myanmar delegation on your official visit to
Vietnam, which brings about the friendly sentiments of
the fraternal Myanmar people to the Vietnamese people.
On this occasion, I would also like to express the
sincere thanks and best wishes of the State,
Government and people of Vietnam to Your Excellency,
and through Your Excellency, to the Government and
people of Myanmar.

Your Excellency Mr Chairman, I still recall with fond
memories the warm reception and hospitality extended
to myself by the State, Government and people of
Myanmar during my visit last May. We were received by
the Myanmar people as their family's members. On this
occasion, the Vietnamese people would also like to
reciprocate to Your Excellency Mr Chairman and Madame
and distinguished Myanmar guests with such cordial
sentiments.

Myanmar and Vietnam are close to each other. Both
countries have an age-old culture deeply imbued with
national identities. The Myanmar people are
hardworking, courageous, patriotic and creative. We
are very happy to note that under the leadership of
Your Excellency Chairman, the Myanmar people have
recorded great successes in firmly safeguarding
national independence and sovereignty, and in the
cause of national construction and development. 

I sincerely wish the Myanmar people greater
achievements to build Myanmar into a prosperous and
forceful country, thus contributing to peace,
stability, cooperation and development in the region.

We note with satisfaction the rapid developments in
various areas of the Vietnam-Myanmar relations. Our
sincere and candid talks today have further deepened
our mutual trust and understanding. I therefore
strongly believe that the fruitful conclusion of your
visit to Vietnam this time will open a new chapter in
the relations of traditional friendship and
multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Myanmar,
both bilaterally and under the framework of ASEAN as
well as other regional and international arrangements
in the interests of our two peoples and for the
benefit of peace, stability, cooperation and
development in our region. With that in mind and in
this ambience of friendship between Vietnam and
Myanmar, I would like to invite you to join me in a
toast:
- To the prosperity of Myanmar and to the happiness of
her people,
- To the ever-grown tradi- tional friendship and
multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Myanmar,
- To the good health of Your Excellency Mr Chairman
and Madame, 
- To the good healthy of you all present here tonight.

Next, Senior General Than Shwe made a speech.

On behalf of the Myanmar delegation, I would like to
express our profound thanks to Your Excellency and the
leaders of Vietnam for the warm welcome and
hospitality accorded to us since our arrival in this
historic city of Hanoi. I also wish to convey our
sincere appreciation for the grand banquet arranged in
honour of our delegation.

I am deeply touched by your kind words and friendly
sentiments you have just expressed, which I fully
reciprocate. The warmth of the welcome accorded us is
no doubt a reflection of the traditional close ties of
friendship that exist between Myanmar and Vietnam.
I first visited Vietnam in March 1995. During the
visit, I had the pleasure of seeing the legendary
beauty of your country and experienced the
friendliness of the Vietnamese people. I also had the
opportunity to be in Hanoi in December 1998 to attend
the 6th ASEAN Summit. Today, I am happy to be back
again in this beautiful city. The visit will afford me
not only with the opportunity to renew old friendships
but also to observe first hand the outstanding
progress Vietnam has made in recent years.

The discussions that I had with Your Excellency and
other Vietnamese Leaders earlier this afternoon once
again underlined the genuine sentiments of friendship,
understanding and cooperation that exist between our
two countries and our two peoples. These ties of
comradeship date back to the days of the struggle for
independence by our two peoples. We in Myanmar always
recall with pride the modest role we were able to play
during the Vietnamese struggle for liberation.

I am happy to note that the friendship between our two
countries have seen all-round growth in recent years.
There is also growing cooperation between our two
countries in various fields. Our two nations share a
similarity of views on international issues. A new
dimension was added to our bilateral relations when
both Vietnam and Myanmar became members of ASEAN.

The economies of Myanmar and Vietnam are growing
rapidly. However, the full potential is still to be
reached in terms of economic and commercial
cooperation. This afternoon, we were able to exchange
views on enhancing economic activities and finding new
areas of partnership. Allow me to take the opportunity
to express Myanmar's willingness to work with Vietnam
for the consolidation of economic ties.

Myanmar is today enjoying unprecedented peace and
stability. We are striving to transform Myanmar into a
modern and developed state. Relying on our resources,
we have been able to make substantial progress in
raising the socio-economic development of the country
as well as the standard of living and quality of life
of the entire people. Moreover, Myanmar places special
importance on human resource development in order to
build a learning society that would be able to meet
the challenges of the Age of Knowledge. We are
therefore confident that Myanmar will be able to
contribute towards regional peace and prosperity.

We in Myanmar have followed with keen interest the
achievements made by the Vietnamese people in nation
building. Permit me to conclude by expressing our full
confidence that under the leadership of the Communist
Party of Vietnam and the guidance of the Government,
the people of Vietnam will surely be able to attain
further heights of triumph.

May I now invite you to join me in a toast:
- To the health and happiness of His Excellency Tran
Duc Luong, President of the Socialist Republic of
Vietnam and Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh;
- To the continued progress and prosperity of the
Socialist Republic of Vietnam;
- To ever lasting friendship between the peoples of
Myanmar and Vietnam; and
- To the health and happiness of all the Distinguished
Guests present here tonight. 

Afterwards, Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong and Madame
Nguyen Thi Vinh hosted a dinner to Senior General Than
Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party. The
Vietnamese cultural troupe members presented
entertainment to the guests over dinner. Then, Senior
General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing presented
flower baskets to the cultural troupe members and had
a group photo taken.

After the dinner, the Myanmar goodwill delegation led
by Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing
arrived back at the hotel where they were putting up
by car.
----------------
4.  Senior General Than Shwe meets Vietnamese PM  

Yangon, 17 March - Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Senior General Than Shwe met with
Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr
Phan Van Khai on 15 March afternoon at the Government
Office in Hanoi.

They held talks on bilateral cooperation in all
sectors and the development of economic and trade
between the two countries to be carried out. Also
present together with Senior General Than Shwe were
Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Soe Win, Mandalay Division Peace and
Development Council Chairman Commander of Central
Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Sagaing Division Peace and
Development Council Chairman Commander of North-West
Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister for Foreign
Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win,
Myanmar Ambassador to Vietnam U Khin Aung and
Director-General of the Political Department U Thaung
Tun, and together with Vietnamese Premier were
Chairman of the Presidential Office Mr Nguyen Van
Chien, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Le Cong
Phung, Vietnamese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Pham Quang
Khon and senior officials.
----------------
5.  Senior General Than Shwe lays wreaths in Hanoi
   

Yangon, 17 March - Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior
General Than Shwe, together with Secretary-2 Lt-Gen
Soe Win and members, Chairman of the Presidential
Office Mr Nguyen Van Chein, Vice Minister of Foreign
Affairs Mr Le Cong Phung, and officials, yesterday
morning laid wreaths at Memorial Monument of
Combatants at Ba Dinh Square and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
in Hanoi. Then, Senior-General Than Shwe and members
viewed the remains of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnamese national
leader. 
--------------
6.  Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing 
    Kyaing arrive in Hanoi  

Yangon, 17 March- Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior
General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing,  left
here on 15 March by special flight for Vietnam on a
State Visit. Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw
Kyaing Kyaing and party arrived at Noibai
International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam at 9.45 local
time.

The special aircraft carrying Myanmar goodwill
delegation led by Senior General Than Shwe and wife
Daw Kyaing Kyaing touched down at the airport. Myanmar
Ambassador to Vietnam U Khin Aung and Head of Protocol
Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Vietnam Mr Doan Xuan Hung boarded the plane and
welcomed Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing
Kyaing.

A Vietnamese girl presented bouquets to Senior General
Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing.

Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing
were welcomed by Chairman of the Presidential Office
Mr Nguyen Van Chien, Deputy Minister of Foreign
Affairs Mr Le Cong Phung and Vietnamese Ambassador to
Myanmar Mr Pham Quang Khon and welcoming party. Senior
General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing were also
greeted by Daw Khin Maw Swe, wife of Myanmar
Ambassador to Vietnam, Military Attache Col Tin Soe
and wife Daw San San Win and Myanmar embassy staff.
Two Myanmar girls presented a bouquet to Senior
General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing.

Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing
and members of Myanmar delegation, accompanied by
Chairman of the Presidential Office Mr Nguyen Van
Chien and officials, went to Melia Hanoi Hotel in a
motorcade.

Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing
left by motorcade to attend the welcoming ceremony. At
2 pm, President of the SRV Mr Tran Duc Luong and
Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh welcomed Senior General Than
Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing at the Presidential
Palace in Hanoi.

Two Vietnamese children presented bouquets to Senior
General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing. 

Next, President of the SRV Mr Tran Duc Luong and
Senior General Than Shwe took the salute of the Guard
of Honour at the dais. The State Band played the
national anthems of the two countries. President of
the SRV Mr Tran Duc Luong and Senior General Than Shwe
inspected the Guard of Honour.

President of the SRV Mr Tran Duc Luong and Madame
Nguyen Thi Vinh presented Deputy Prime Minister of SRV
Mr Vu Khoam, the ministers, the deputy ministers and
senior officials to Senior General Than Shwe and wife
Daw Kyaing Kyaing.

Similarly, Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw
Kyaing Kyaing presented members of Myanmar goodwill
delegation Secretary-2 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife, Chairman
of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint,
Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe
Naing, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen
Nyunt Tin, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung,
Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for
Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife, Minister for
Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein,
Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi and Minister for
Health Dr Kyaw Myint to President of the SRV Mr Tran
Duc Luong and Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh.

Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing
greeted ambassadors of ASEAN nations.

After the ceremony, Senior General Than Shwe and wife
Daw Kyaing Kyaing met President of the SRV Mr Tran Duc
Luong and Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh at Room A of the
Presidential Palace.

Present on the occasion were Secretary-2 of the State
Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife,
Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint,
Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe
Naing, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen
Nyunt Tin, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung,
Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for
Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Livestock and
Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for
Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi and Minister for Health Dr
Kyaw Myint, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin
Maung Win and Myanmar Ambassador to Vietnam U Khin
Aung.

Present together with President of the SRV Mr Tran Duc
Luong and Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh on Vietnamese side
were Deputy Prime Minister Mr Vu Khoam, Minister of
Foreign Affairs Nguyen Dy Niem, Chairman of the
Presidential Office Mr Nguyen Van Chien, the
ministers, the deputy ministers and senior officials.
Bilateral goodwill relations and cooperation for
mutual interest were discussed.
---------------
7.  Daw Kyaing Kyaing meets Vietnamese President's 
    wife Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh 
 

Yangon, 17 March - Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of State
Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General
Than Shwe, met Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh, wife of
Socialist Republic of Vietnam President Mr Tran Duc
Luong at the Hall-A in the President House in Hanoi,
Vietnam, at 2 pm on 15 March.

Together with Daw Kyaing Kyaing at the call were Daw
Than Than Nwe, wife of the Secretary-2 of the State
Peace and Development Council, Daw San Yon, wife of
the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Daw Khin Maw Swe,
wife of Myanmar Ambassador to Vietnam, and Daw San San
Win, wife of the Myanmar military attache.

Next, accompanied by Deputy Head of Political
Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Madame
Le Phuong Dung, Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party studied
the shop which sells silk paintings and artistic
paintings on Tran Hung Dao Road.

Yesterday morning, Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party arrived
at Ha Dong Silk Village in a motorcade where they were
welcomed by officials. At the hall of the village
Director Mr Nguyen Van Hung of Van Phuc Cooperative of
Weave Silk explained weaving of silk and production of
silk and presented a gift to Daw Kyaing Kyaing.

Then, Daw Kyaing Kyaing, after giving a present to Mr
Nguyen Van Hung, viewed round silk weaving tasks in
the village.

Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party then paid homage at Tran
Vu Pagoda at 4 pm. The Sayadaw of Tran Vu Monastery
explained the history of the pagoda to Daw Kyaing
Kyaing and party.

After signing in the visitors' book, Daw Kyaing Kyaing
left the pagoda and went back to Melia Hanoi hotel
where she was putting up by car. 

At 8.30 am today Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party arrived
at the school for taking care of the children where
Principal Nguyen Thi Xuan Diep and children welcomed
them. Then, the principal explained facts about the
school and presented gifts to Daw Kyaing Kyaing and
party.

Later, Daw Kyaing Kyaing made cash donations to the
school, viewed round the school and left there. 
-----------
8.  Senior General Than Shwe calls on Chairman of 
    National Assembly of the Socialist Republic 
    of Vietnam 
 
Yangon, 17 March - Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior
General Than Shwe paid a courtesy call on Chairman of
the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of
Vietnam Mr Nguyen Van An at Ba Danh Hall in Hanoi at
9.30 am yesterday.

Present on the occasion were Secretary-2 of the State
Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Chairman
of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint,
Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe
Naing, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung,
Military Assistance to the Chairman of the State Peace
and Development Council Maj-Gen Nay Win, Deputy
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Myanmar
Ambassador U Khin Aung, Director-General of the State
Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein
and officials, Chairman of the Presidential Office Mr
Nguyen Van Chien, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr
Le Cong Phung, Vice-Chairman of Foreign Affairs of the
National Assembly Mr Nguyen Anh Zung and officials.

On the occasion, Chairman of the National Assembly Mr
Nguyen Van An expressed his delight to see the Myanmar
goodwill delegation led by Senior General Than Shwe.
He said the SRV and Myanmar have traditional ties of
friendship and the two nations have rendered
assistance to each other before the national
independence was regained. And this policy has been
followed to date.
He continued to say that National Leader Ho Chi Minh
visited Myanmar and from that time onwards, new
bilateral relation sector between the two countries
could be set up. This visit will further strengthen
the relation of the two countries.

Then, Chairman of the State Peace and Development
Council Senior General Than Shwe said he was delighted
to see the Vietnamese Government and public warmly
welcomed Myanmar delegation on its arrival. He said he
and his entourage arrived there to observe the
development of Vietnam and promote bilateral
cooperation between the two countries. He said that he
visited Vietnam thrice including this one.

Afterwards, Chairman Mr Nguyen Van An and Chairman
Senior General Than Shwe cordially discussed matters
relating to mutual interest of the two countries. 
-------------
9.  Appointment of Ambassador agreed on 

Yangon, 17 March - The Government of the Union of
Myanmar has accorded agreement to the appointment of
Mr Paul John Grigson as Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the Commonwealth of Australia to
the Union of Myanmar in succession of His Excellency
Mr Trevor David Wilson.

Educated at the University of Queensland, the
Australian National University and the Securities
Institute of Australia, Mr Grigson holds a Bachelor of
Arts degree in psychology and journalism, a Bachelor
of Letters and a Graduate Diploma in Finance. He had
served in various capacities at the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade. He also served as Deputy
Head of Mission from 1993 to 1994 and Charge d'
Affaires a.i from July to October 2000 at the
Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh.

Mr Grigson was also a senior adviser in the Department
of the Prime Minister and Cabinet from 1998 to 2000.
He is a senior career officer in the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade and is currently serving as
Assistant Secretary, Maritime South-East Asia Branch
in the Department.
-------------------
10. Myanmar, Vietnam issue Joint Statement
    Myanmar and Vietnam issued a Joint Statement on 
    the occasion of the State Visit of Senior General 
    Than Shwe to Vietnam in Hanoi on 17 March.

1. At the invitation of His Excellency Mr Tran Duc
Luong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam,
His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of
the State Peace and Development Council of the Union
of Myanmar paid a State Visit to the Socialist
Republic of Vietnam from 15 to 17 March 2003.

2. His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman
of the State Peace and Development Council of the
Union of Myanmar, and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing were
accompanied by His Excellency Secretary-2 of the State
Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife;
His Excellency Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of the
Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council; His
Excellency Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Chairman of the Sagaing
Division Peace and Development Council; His Excellency
Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for Agriculture and
Irrigation; His Excellency U Aung Thaung, Minister for
Industry (1); His Excellency Brig-Gen Pyi Sone,
Minister for Commerce; His Excellency Minister for
Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife; His Excellency
Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for Livestock and
Fisheries; His Excellency Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister
for Energy; His Excellency Professor Dr Kyaw Myint,
Minister for Health; His Excellency Maj-Gen Nay Win,
Military Assistant to the Chairman of the State Peace
and Development Council; His Excellency U Khin Maung
Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs; His
Excellency U Khin Aung, Ambassador of the Union of
Myanmar to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and high
ranking officials of the Government of the Union of
Myanmar.

3. His Excellency Chairman Senior General Than Shwe
and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and his entourage were
accorded a warm welcome and a cordial reception by the
leaders and people of Vietnam reflecting the
significance of the visit in further promoting the
close bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist
between the two countries. The leaders of Vietnam
extended to the Chairman and through him to the people
of Myanmar the best wishes of the Government and
people of Vietnam. His Excellency Chairman Senior
General Than Shwe expressed great pleasure in having
the opportunity to visit the Socialist Republic of
Vietnam for the third time in eight years and conveyed
to the leaders of Vietnam the cordial greetings and
best wishes of the Government and the people of
Myanmar.

4. During the visit, His Excellency Chairman Senior
General Than Shwe held bilateral talks with His
Excellency President Tran Duc Luong, called on His
Excellency Nong Duc Manh, General Secretary of the
Communist Party of Vietnam, His Excellency Phan Van
Khai, Prime Minister and His Excellency Nguyen Van An,
Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam. Chairman
Senior General Than Shwe also laid wreath in Ho Chi
Minh Mausoleum and visited a number of economic and
cultural sites in Hanoi.

5. The bilateral talks between President Tran Duc
Luong and Chairman Senior General Than Shwe were held
in an atmosphere of friendship, mutual understanding
and trust. On the Myanmar side, attending the talks
were all the official members of the Delegation. On
the Vietnamese side, attending the talks were Deputy
Prime Minister HE Mr Nguyen Tan Dung, Minister of
Foreign Affairs HE Mr Nguyen Dy Nien, Minister and
Chairman of the Presidential Office HE Mr Nguyen Van
Chien, Minister of Trade HE Mr Tuong Dinh Tuyen,
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development HE Mr Le
Huy Ngo, Minister of Industry HE Mr Hoang Trung Hai,
Minister of Public Health HE Madame Tran Thi Trung
Chien, Vice Minister of Public Security HE Mr Nguyen
Khanh Toan, Vice Minister of Defence HE Mr Nguyen Van
Rinh, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Mr Le Cong
Phung, Ambassador of Vietnam to Myanmar HE Mr Pham
Quang Khon, Assistant to the President HE Mr Nguyen
Van Thanh, Vice Minister of Fisheries HE Mr Nguyen
Viet Thang.

6. The two Heads of State informed each other of
recent developments in their respective countries and
exchanged views on ways and means to further enhance
traditional friendship, and mutually beneficial
cooperation between the two countries, as well as on
regional and international issues of mutual concern.

7. Senior General Than Shwe informed the President of
the Socialist Republic of Vietnam of the political,
economic and social advancements taking place in the
country, particularly achievements attained in
establishing peace and stability as well as in
economic progress. He also reaffirmed Myanmar's
independent and active foreign policy. He stressed the
importance Myanmar places on maintaining friendship
with all countries in the world, particularly with
neighbouring countries in the spirit of goodwill,
friendship and mutual understanding guided by the Five
Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, particularly the
principles of mutual trust and respect for each
other's sovereignty and territorial integrity,
non-interference in each other's internal affairs and
the settlement of disputes by peaceful means.

8. President Tran Duc Luong congratulated Chairman
Senior General Than Shwe on the socio-economic
achievements recorded by the people of Myanmar under
his leadership in the past years. President Tran Duc
Luong reaffirmed Vietnam's support to the efforts made
by the Government and the people of Myanmar with a
view to preserving territorial integrity and national
unification, national unity and reconciliation and
political stability and sustaining the national
development, thus making contributions to peace,
stability, cooperation and development in South East
Asia and the world at large.

9. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe expressed his
happiness to see the important achievements made by
the Vietnamese people, under the leadership of the
Communist Party of Vietnam. Chairman Senior General
Than Shwe expressed his conviction that Vietnam would
record greater accomplishments in materializing
socio-economic targets in the years to come, which
help enhance the country's position and role in the
region and the world.

10. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe also expressed
his high regard for Vietnam's foreign policy of
independence, self-reliance, openness,
multilateralization and diversification of external
relations and positively international integration.
The Chairman maintained that this open foreign policy
had been making positive contribution to peace and
stability in the region and the world as well.

11. The two leaders expressed satisfaction that, since
the visit to Myanmar by President Tran Duc Luong in
May 2002, the economic and trade relations between the
two countries had seen remarkable developments. The
commitments made during President Tran Duc Luong's
visit had been successfully implemented step by step.
The two leaders welcomed the developments and stressed
that the two sides need to further enhance economic,
investment and trade relations in commensurate with
the sound political relationship and vast potential of
the two countries.

12. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of
bilateral economic relations, in particular, the
promotion of investment and trade between the two
countries. To that end, they agreed to fully utilize
existing mechanisms for bilateral cooperation,
particular the Joint Commission for Bilateral
Cooperation, and the Joint Trade Committee. They
agreed further to strengthen cooperation in the fields
of agriculture, forestry, fishery, and fishery-related
industries and energy.

13. The two sides agreed to promote their cooperation
in the field of security through information exchanges
and join efforts to fight and prevent terrorist
activities against their respective Governments and
countries. In this spirit, the two leaders welcomed
the need of considering signing at an early date by
the two countries the Agreement on the Prevention and
Fight Against Criminal Activities.

14. The two sides agreed upon the need to strengthen
cooperation on bilateral basis as well as in the ASEAN
framework with a view to consolidating unity and
cooperation to cope with current challenges and
enhancing the role and position of ASEAN in the region
and the world. The two sides also agreed to further
their cooperation at regional and international
political and economic fora.

15. The two sides noted that with the accession to WTO
and its increasing integration into the world economy,
Vietnam would play an important role to the sustained
development and prosperity of Vietnam and the region.
In that spirit, Myanmar supported Vietnam to join WTO.

16. The two sides shared the view that together with
the State visit to Myanmar by President Tran Duc Luong
in May 2002, the State visit to Vietnam of the
Chairman Senior General Than Shwe would contribute
strengthening the traditional friendship relations and
multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Myanmar
in the interest of the peoples of the two countries
and for peace, cooperation and development of the
region and the world over.

17. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe expressed his
sincere thanks to President Tran Duc Luong, the
Government and people of Vietnam for the warm and
friendly reception accorded to him and the members of
his delegation which reflects the traditional
friendship and multifaceted cooperation between
Vietnam and Myanmar.

18. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe invited
President Tran Duc Luong and Madame to pay a State
Visit to the Union of Myanmar at a convenient time.
President Tran Duc Luong accepted the invitation with
pleasure.

Hanoi
17 March 2002
------------------
11. 558 foreign merchants arrive 

Yangon, 17 March - A total of 974 foreign and local
gem merchants - 558 from 213 foreign firms of 11
countries and 416 from 152 local firms have already
arrived at the 40th Myanma Gems Emporium being held in
the hall of Myanma Gems Emporium on Kaba Aye Pagoda
Road today.

The arriving merchants from foreign firms are 432 from
175 firms of the People's Republic of China, 5 from 4
Japanese firms, 93 from 19 Thai firms, 12 from 5
Singaporean firms, 2 from 1 Malaysian firm, 2 from 1
Israeli firm, 4 from 3 American firms, 1 from 1 French
firm, 4 from one Indian firm, 2 from 2 Sri Lankan
firms and 1 from 1 Korean firm. The merchants kept on
viewing the gems being displayed at the emporium from
9 am to 5 pm for the third day. At the emporium, lots
of jade will be sold at tender system and competitive
bidding system on 18, 19 and 20 March. 
--------------
12. Secretary-1 inspects extension of Strand Road, 
    upgrading of Wadan jetty areas 
 

Yangon, 17 March- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt inspected
measures being taken for upgrading Yangon City this
morning.

Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt arrived at Thanlyetsun
in Botahtaung Township, Yangon Division at 11.30 am
today. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party were
welcomed there by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace
and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command
Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay,
deputy ministers, the vice mayor and departmental
officials.

Officials of Yangon City Development Committee
reported to the Secretary-1 on the site chosen for
construction of the waste-water treatment plant and
future tasks. The mayor and the commander gave
supplementary reports. 

In response to the reports, the Secretary-1 gave
necessary instructions. The Secretary-1 and party
arrived at the briefing hall of No 7 Sule Wharf of
Myanma Port Authority in Seikkan Township, where the
road is being extended into six-lane one. They were
welcomed there by departmental officials.

Head of YCDC (Road/Bridge) U Bo Htay reported on
progress of work in extending the 11,324 feet long
road section which is stretching from Theinbyu Road in
Botahtaung Township to Ywathitchaung in Lanmadaw
Township and work being carried out for extending the
19,000 feet long section which is running from the
junction of Bayintnaung Road in Kamayut to
Ywathitchaung in Lanmadaw Township.

The Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements on
extension of the Strand Road and upgrading of the port
areas and gave instructions on sharing of duties for
ensuring speedy progress of work.

The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the project
site for upgrading of Wadan jetty being undertaken by
Myanma Port Authority in Seikkan Township. 

They were welcomed there by departmental officials.
First, the Secretary-1 inspected upgrading and
beautifying the approach of Wadan Jetty.

At the briefing hall, Managing Director of MPA U Thein
Htay reported to the Secretary-1 on work being carried
out section-wise for upgrading and beautifying the
approach road of Wadan jetty areas, growing of flower
and shade trees and arrangement of recreation
facilities along the Strand Road. Then, Deputy
Minister for Transport U Pe Than and Commander Maj-Gen
Myint Swe gave supplementary reports on assistance
provided for upgrading Wadan jetty areas and extension
of the Strand Road to the Secretary-1.

In response to the reports, the Secretary-1 gave
instructions and inspected upgrading and beautifying
the jetty areas along the Strand Road by car.
----------------
13. USDA Management Multiplier Course ends

Yangon, 17 March- Management Multiplier Course No 2
conducted by Yangon North District Union Solidarity
and Development Association concluded this afternoon
at Hmawby Township USDA Office. A total of 88 trainees
from Taikkyi, Hlegu, Hmawby, Htantabin townships
attended the two-week course. 

USDA Central Executive Committee Member Col Tin Hlaing
made an address and awarded prizes to outstanding
trainees. He then accepted 2,380 USDA membership
applications presented by Htantabin Township USDA
Secretary U Than Myint. Yangon Division USDA Secretary
U Aye Myint presented course completion certificates. 
---------------
14. Parade columns entertained
 
Yangon, 17 March - Under the arrangement of
Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological
Warfare, No 1 Mobile Public Relations Unit entertained
last night the parade columns which will take part in
the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day with music,
dances and movie.

Anawrahta, Aungzeya, Bayintnaung columns at No 1
Transit Centre and Nawaday column at Ayeyawady Naval
Regional Command Headquarters were entertained with
dance and songs . At local battalion in South Okkalapa
Township, Kyansittha column was entertained with
Myanmar movie.
----------------
15. Forms for gems and jade blocks to be submitted
 
Yangon, 17 March - Myanma Gems Enterprise will grant
permits of gems and jade blocks that will expire in
April, May and June 2003 in accord with Myanma Gems
Law. The respective gems entrepreneurs are to submit
their forms to MGE (Head Office) between 10 March and
9 April 2003 in accord with the rules and regulations.

-----------------
16. Taboung festival held

Yangon, 17 March - A ceremony to mark Fullmoon Day of
Taboung was held at Mahatheindawgyi in the compound of
State Pariyatti Sasana University on Kaba Aye Hillock
this morning. The ceremony was organized by Basic
Buddhist Culture Course Instructor Sayadaw member of
the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Archivist Agga
Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Pannasami
(Magadi-Thazi) and course trainees.

Similarly, pagodas here were packed with pilgrims and
devotees offering flowers, water, lights and fruits to
the pagodas, and Sayadaws and members of the Sangha
delivered sermons.
----------------
17. Drug traffickers sentenced
 
Yangon, 17 March - A combined team comprising members
of the local intelligence unit and Bago Special
Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, on 21 April
2002 searched the vehicle with number plates 2 ka/
1682 at Bago toll gate and seized 3.2 kilos of
marijuana from Ma Shwe Kyi (a) Ma Myint Kyi. On
further investigation, the authorities searched the
house of Ye Shin and Ma Sha Tin and seized some
marijuana powder together with Ma Nwe (a) Ma Yin Mya.
Action was taken against Ma Shwe Kyi (a) Ma Myint Kyi,
daughter of U Hla Kyaing of Hlinethaya Township, Ye
Shin, son of U Tun Aung of Taungootan ward, Kyaukkyi
Township, Ma Sha Tin, daughter of U Aung Kyi and Ma
Nwe (a) Ma Yin Mya, daughter of U Toe of Ward-15,
Hlinethaya Township under Sections 15/19(A)/21 of the
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Bago
No-1 Police Station.

The Bago District Court on 17 February handed down 5
years' imprisonment under Section 15 and 15 years'
imprisonment under Section 19(A) on Ma Shwe Kyi (a) Ma
Myint Kyi to serve separately, 5 years' imprisonment
each on Ye Shin, Ma Sha Tin and Ma Nwe (a) Ma Yin Mya
under Section 16(C). 
--------------------
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