Myanmar / Russia: Union Minister receives Orthodox Metropolitan

Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Aung Thaw on Friday received a delegation led by the Russian Orthodox Metropolitan of Singapore and South-East AsiaHis Eminence Sergiy at his ministry in Nay Pyi Taw.

In the meeting, the Russian Orthodox Metropolitan stressed that in a country, religious teaching is important, and if there is no religious teaching, the country will be destroyed. It is a good situation to have a majority of Buddhists living in Myanmar. Efforts are being made to establish an Orthodox Church for Russians and Russian tourists in Myanmar.

Russians visit Russian Orthodox churches in the countries they visit. Having a Russian Orthodox Church in Myanmar will make it attractive to Russian tourists. Myanmar's rich cultural and natural resources are attractive to Russian tourists, the Metropolitan added.

And, the Union Minister said that the Russians are persistent and they have been able to overcome difficulties. He also expressed words of respects to the Russian Orthodox religious organization as it’s a persistent and strong organization.

The majority of the population in Myanmar are Buddhists, but they have the right to worship and believe freely without religious discrimination. He also expressed his belief that the establishment of the Orthodox Church will support the further development of Myanmar-Russian tourism cooperation.

After the meeting, the Union Minister and the Russian Orthodox Metropolitan of Singapore and South-East Asia exchanged memorable gifts.