Regional Cooperation : Media cooperation and cultural exchange

South and Southeast Asian Media Network (SSAMN) Annual Meeting took place in Kunming of China on Friday. Myanmar delegation led Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn attended the opening ceremony, together with the delegations from China, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Sri Lanka.

The attendees first observed the display of books on Chinese Political Affairs Management by Mr Xi Jinping and booths on Yunnan Province. The ceremony commenced with the performance of ethnic cultural troupes. Information Minister of the Yunnan Provincial Government Ms Zeng Yan and officials extended greetings.

The meeting declared the successful outcomes of the media cooperation among the South and Southeast Asian Media organizations, and the launching of cooperation among partner media. The event continued with the cultural entertainment programs from the participating countries.

In the subsequent session, Union Minister U Maung Maung Ohn made a speech, highlighting the leading role of the South and Southeast Asia in the today’s developing global community. He added the Ministry of Information has been cooperating with the regional media including ASEAN member states and China as well as the organizations like ABU and AIBD.

He expressed his hope on the role of media in fostering the regional and global peace through information exchange, innovative creation and mutual learning. This was followed by a roundtable discussion with the participation of representatives from China, Thailand, Pakistan, Cambodia and Viet Nam.

In the afternoon, Union Minister U Maung Maung Ohn met with Executive Secretary of the All-China Journalists Association Wu Xu, and discussed for multiple cooperation in media sector, combating fake and false news, support for the upcoming Myanmar’s election and cooperation between the media organizations of the two countries.

In the evening, the 2025 China-Myanmar Twin City Media Forum and Mingalar Talk Show was held with the participation of representatives from government, rescue organizations, media and partner associations from both countries. At night, the delegation participated in the opening ceremony of variety concert and expo, held at Kunming 1903 Park.

The Information Ministers from China, Myanmar and Cambodia inaugurated the event, followed by the cultural performance of artistes from three countries. The expo displays various products from respective countries at which Myanmar showcases the handicraft items and souvenirs as well as the tour packages and photo gallery. More than 150 countries participate in the expo, displaying their local products, including the agricultural and education booths from Yunnan Province.