Security in the Asia-Pacific Region: SAC Chairman sends video message to XI MCIS – 2023

Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing conveyed a video message to the XI Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS – 2023) held at Patriot Park on August 15th.

The conference commenced with a video message from Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the afternoon sessions, Plenary Session 1 focused on "Security in the Middle East and the African Continent: Military Aspects," Plenary Session 2 centered on "Security in the Asia-Pacific Region," and Plenary Session 3 discussed on "Interaction of Defence Agencies: Conditions and Expectations." Senior General Min Aung Hlaing's video message was presented during Plenary Session 2.

In his message, the Senior General highlighted the unity of ASEAN for maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region. He underscored the critical necessity of food security in a region inhabited by more than 4 billion people, constituting over 60% of the global population.

The strategic significance of the region in various sectors, including trade and security, renders it attractive to the United States, European Union, and NATO, fostering direct or indirect relationships with regional countries. He underscored the pivotal role of regional organizations like ASEAN in mitigating the challenges of the world, grapples with instability and insecurity.

Established in 1967, ASEAN boasts a population of over 687 million and a GDP exceeding 3.66 trillion dollars. The association is ready to serve the interests of both the region and external nations, leveraging its strength and influence.

Furthermore, ASEAN member states contribute to global energy and food security by harnessing their land, underground, and water resources. In the context of the Asia-Pacific Region, ASEAN emerges as a driving force for regional solidarity and collaboration, where its unity remains instrumental in fostering peace, stability, and prosperity.

The Senior General emphasized that the unity of ASEAN faces threats and challenges, saying that Myanmar has achieved stability in political, economic, and security matters, particularly in certain areas. And efforts are being made to establish peace, security, the rule of law, and economic progress throughout the country, thereby paving the way for free and fair multiparty democratic elections, aligning with democratic norms.

In addressing the profound challenges within the region, unity and cooperation among regional nations are crucial. He stressed the necessity of peaceful negotiations for the resolution of conflicts and issues and called for collaborative endeavors to capitalize on the region's promising opportunities for development.