Meeting with ethnic associations: MoEA UM met with ethnic literature and cultural associations

To attend the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Rakhine State Day, Union Minister for Ethnic Affairs Jeng Phang Naw Taung and Deputy Minister U Zaw Aye Maung, who were in Sittwe, Rakhine State, together with Rakhine State Government Minister for Ethnic Affairs U Tin Hla,  met and held discussions with ethnic literature and cultural associations from within Rakhine State at the Rakhine State Government office in Sittwe in the afternoon on 15th December.

At the meeting, first, the Union Minister Jeng Phang Naw Taung explained the ministry's responsibilities and highlighted its collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Education to promote teaching ethnic languages and literature in regions and states.

He emphasized that Myanmar, as a union with over 130 national races, requires a true Union spirit and patriotism. He defined the Union spirit as the collective understanding that "all ethnic groups living under the same sky and drinking the same water are brothers and sisters, and will unite to protect the nation in times of need."

He further stressed that regardless of geography, all are connected as siblings, dedicated to defending and developing the nation together. This spirit includes mutual sharing, harmony, and collaboration within the union, fostering unity like members of a family.

The Union Minister urged everyone to actively contribute to building a democratic and federal Union, which the people of the nation aspire to, while upholding their respective responsibilities without compromising the country’s three national causes. Following his remarks, Deputy Minister U Zaw Aye Maung delivered a speech.

Ethnic literature and cultural associations attending the meeting discussed various issues related to ethnic affairs and regional development. Director-General U Win Naing of the Department of Ethnic Literature and Culture responded to the discussions and provided clarifications.

The Union Minister and Deputy Minister then addressed concerns and assured collaborative efforts to fulfill necessary actions. Additionally, they presented financial support to the ethnic literature and cultural associations representing Rakhine, Maramagyi, Khami and Thet communities to further promote and preserve ethnic literature and culture.

After that, the Union Minister, Deputy Minister, and Rakhine State Ethnic Affairs Minister, along with relevant officials, met with the personnel of the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs serving at the Rakhine State Director's Office. During the meeting, the Union Minister delivered remarks, followed by speeches by the Deputy Minister and the State Ethnic Affairs Minister.

The staff shared their perspectives, which were addressed and clarified by Director-General U Win Naing, with further guidance and support provided by the Union Minister and Deputy Minister. Financial support was also granted to the staff by Rakhine State Ethnic Affairs Minister U Tin Hla.

Finally, the Union Minister, Deputy Minister, and officials visited the Rakhine State Directorate Office building, which had been damaged by Cyclone Mocha, to inspect the progress of its reconstruction. Officials explained the current status of the restoration works, and the Union Minister and Deputy Minister provided necessary directives and support to ensure the completion of the repairs, it’s learnt.