NDSC Meeting Held: President delivered the opening speech

The meeting of the National Defense and Security Council of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar was held on April 21 at the NDSC Meeting Hall of the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw.

The meeting was attended by President U Min Aung Hlaing, Vice Presidents U Nyo Saw and Daw Nan Ni Ni Aye, Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw U Khin Yi, Speaker of the Amyotha Hluttaw U Aung Lin Dwe, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services General Ye Win Oo, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Kyaw Swar Linn, Union Minister for Defence General Tun Aung, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Tin Maung Swe, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lieutenant General Nyunt Win Swe, and Union Minister for Border Affairs Lieutenant General Phone Myat.

In his opening remarks, the President noted that this was the first NDSC meeting of the current government. He reiterated his statement from the Union Government meeting regarding peace efforts, emphasizing that socio-economic development and national economic growth can only be achieved when there is stability and peace in the country. He identified two main areas regarding national stability: issues related to the so-called PDF terrorists and issues related to EAOs. Regarding the so-called PDF terrorists, the President stated that they chose the path of armed terrorism instead of resolving political issues through political means due to the instigation of domestic and foreign organizations and individuals who do not wish for national stability and development.

He attributed their transition to terrorism to a lack of analytical thinking and a failure to resist external incitement. Therefore, he stressed the need to work toward bringing these PDF insurgents onto the path of peace for the sake of national stability. Concerning EAOs, the President mentioned that while some groups have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), others have not. He noted that past negotiations with certain groups had resulted in bilateral agreements and observed that while some groups truly desire peace, others are using arms solely for their own self-interest.

Regarding security, he emphasized the need to continue enhancing the capabilities and power of the Tatmadaw and the Myanmar Police Force. He noted that while the Myanmar Police Force is primarily responsible for internal security, the Tatmadaw has had to collaborate with them due to the current prevailing conditions in the country.

On the subject of administration, the President highlighted that administrative bodies at the ward, village, and township levels which directly interact with the public, must be competent and well-versed in state rules, laws, and basic administrative principles. Furthermore, he stressed that these bodies must be free from corruption and that systematic training should be provided to ensure their effectiveness. Regarding ASEAN, the President recalled his inaugural speech, in which he pledged to cooperate with the association to the best of the country's ability.

He affirmed that efforts must continue to ensure optimal cooperation within the ASEAN framework and invited the NDSC members to participate in the discussions. The Vice Presidents, the Speakers of both Hluttaws, the Commander-in-Chief, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief, and the Union Ministers then engaged in discussions regarding their respective sectors. The President reviewed the discussions and delivered the concluding remarks, it’s learnt.