Mekong-Lancang cultural program: MoRAC DM offerred encouragement and support

Under the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund (2024) program, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, in collaboration with the National University of Arts and Culture (Yangon), is organizing the "Mekong-Lancang Cultural Program (2024) Myanmar" project. The event will take place in Bagan, Nyaung-U District, Mandalay Region. At 7:30 AM, the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs and Culture, Daw Nu Mya Zan, along with the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, Ms. Ma Jia, and her delegation, arrived. At 10:40 AM, artists from Mekong-Lancang member countries, traditional artists from Myanmar, faculty members and students from the Painting Department of the National University of Arts and Culture (Yangon), and other officials, including the university's rector, Dr. Kaythi Htway, welcomed the participants.

Deputy Minister Daw Nu Mya Zan visited the Shwezigon Pagoda in Nyaung-U at 10 AM, paid respects, and then attended a coordination meeting at the pagoda's trustees' office. The meeting focused on developing a comprehensive Master Plan for the restoration and preservation of the Shwezigon Pagoda, as directed by the Head of State. During the meeting, the Deputy Minister emphasized the need to expedite the implementation of the Master Plan, collaborate with experts, relevant departments, and pagoda trustees, and ensure the successful completion of the project.

The Secretary of the Master Plan drafting committee provided a detailed update on the progress and future steps. Attendees then discussed and supplemented the plan according to their respective areas of expertise. After the meeting, the Deputy Minister, along with the attendees, inspected the current condition of the religious structures on the pagoda grounds. They also reviewed the proposed locations for market stalls along the eastern stairway of the pagoda and designated parking areas, providing necessary guidance.

Later, the Deputy Minister and her delegation visited the Phaya-Thone Su Pagodas near Minnanthu Village, where artists from Mekong-Lancang countries—Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand—were engaged in outdoor painting. They observed the artists creating works inspired by the ancient pagodas and scenic views, offering encouragement and support.