Bilateral Meeting: Myanmar and Belarus holds bilateral meeting

A bilateral meeting between the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Republic of Belarus was held at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday.

In his greetings, Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission expressed his warmest welcome to the delegation for paying a historic visit during the 26 years of diplomatic relations. He added that the two countries are good neighbours with friendship and mutual trust, maintaining both diplomatic and military relations despite geographical distances.

The two countries' relations have been improved significantly, and stressed to enhance the existing friendship in the future. He also expressed thanks for support of Belarus on Myanmar in international arena. The visiting President Mr. Aleksandr Lukashenko also expressed thanks for the warmest welcome by Myanmar during his very first visit to the country. He said the two leaders have already met six times during this year, marking the new historic milestones for the two countries.

He added that cooperation have been successfully carried out, and will always keep its door open for Myanmar without fail, despite any interference. The two sides later discussed progress of cooperation in politics, trade, economy, industry, agriculture and food, health, medicine, education and other sectors.

The meeting also outlined plan for opening of Myanmar Consul-General Office in Minsk for promoting diplomatic relations. The two sides exchanged views for multisectoral cooperation and promoting collaboration in regional and international arena.

The meeting also discussed the preparation measures for the upcoming free and fair multiparty democratic general election, invitation to the observers from home and abroad including neighbouring countries, ASEAN and partner countries as well as the efforts for lasting peace in Myanmar and combating online scam and gambling cases.

The Acting President added that the US Homeland Security Department on November 25 has announced for suspension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to about 4,000 Myanmar citizens, and will deport them within 60 days period. There are Myanmar citizens in the United States and other countries for political differences and other reasons. The Acting President said they all are welcome to Myanmar and will provide necessity for casting vote in the coming election if they are eligible.

He also expressed thanks for Belarus' support in Myanmar's implementation for the political system that is relevant to the country's situation, hoping to enhance bilateral cooperation in the post-election period. This was followed by signing of MOUs between Myanmar and Belarus in various sectors. Those MOUs include cooperation in science and technology, customs, export loan and standardization, quality control, road map for promoting bilateral cooperation, trade, economy, culture, legal support for illegal trade, and investment promotion.

After the meeting, the Acting President and the visiting Belarusian President held a media briefing on joint declaration. Then, a luncheon was hosted in honour of the visiting delegation led by the President of Belarus. The Guard of Honour played the national anthems of the two countries, followed by the performance of Myanmar and Belarus songs by artistes from the Fine Arts Department and Myawady Music Band.

After the luncheon, the Acting President, the visiting Belarus President and party enjoyed the honorary concert, performed by the artistes from Myanma Radio and Television, Fine Arts Department and Myawady Music Band, featuring bilateral cultural songs and dances. After the concert, the two leaders presented flower baskets to the performing troupe.