Senior General Min Aung Hlaing holds talks with Japanese Prime Minister Mr. Shinzo ABE

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Shinzo ABE.

Nay Pyi Taw August 5

We can say that the relations between the two countries emerged together with the history of Myanmar’s independence struggle. The role of the armed forces of Japan cannot be left out in the history of the birth of the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

I believe that the current visit will serve as the driving force behind the promotion of bilateral relations and cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries. Japan and Myanmar are each other’s old and good friends. I believe we will be able to work for the perpetuation of the friendly ties between the two countries in the future also, said Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing during his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Shinzo ABE at his residence at 5 pm local standard time yesterday.

Also present at the meeting together with the Senior General were Lt-Gen Soe Htut of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), senior military officers, Myanmar Ambassador to Japan U Thurein Thant Zin and Myanmar Military Attaché (Army, Navy and Air) Brig-Gen Saw Min. The Japanese Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Mr. Hagiuta Koichi, Chairman of Nippon Foundation Mr. Yohei SASAKAWA and Chief of Joint Staff of Japan Self-Defence Forces Admiral Katsutoshi KAWANO and officials.

First, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing presented emblem of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services of Myanmar to the Japanese Prime Minister. The Senior General relayed the greetings sent to the Japanese Prime Minister by President U Htin Kyaw and the Former President U Thein Sein, and expressed wish for the further cementing of the existing Myanmar-Japan cooperation initiated during the term of the government led by U Thein Sein The Senior General then said Myanmar-Japan relation has a long history and there are cordial ties between the governments of the two countries. Increase in the Japanese investments in Myanmar benefits the people of Myanmar. Friendly ties will also be strengthened between the two armed forces. Japan rendered assistance in building up the Myanmar Tatmadaw. For the Tatmadaw, it wants peace and stability in the Korea peninsula and Far Eastern Asia. The Tatmadaw does not want any threat of nuclear, and denounces sabre-rattling. It will never engage in the issues leading to regional and global instability. Moreover, the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council will be respected, said the Senior General.

The Japanese Prime Minister for his part said Nippon Foundation Chairman Mr. Yohei SASAKAWA is acting as a special representative to help with Myanmar’s internal peace process. Now, the people in Kayin State are enjoying fruits of peace and Japan will help as much as it could until Myanmar achieves peace and development. There has been a long history of friendly ties between the two armed forces of the two countries and continued efforts will be made to strengthen the ties.

The Prime Minister continued to say that all-round development is seen the relations between Myanmar and Japan. It is the firm policy of Japan to promote the friendship and cooperation with Myanmar. Japan is also willing to cooperate with Myanmar in regional peace and stability. He next expressed his belief that Japanese investment will increase in Myanmar, stressing the need to create sound environments for further promotion of private entrepreneurs’ investment. It is the first meeting of the Japanese Prime Minister with the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services as a foreign leader after a new Japanese cabinet has been for med.

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