Back Home: Bilateral meetings and visit to Buddhist Centre

Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers from Mozambique, Iran, Belarus and Cuba, as well as the Foreign Affairs Advisor of Bangladesh and the Ambassador of Nicaragua to Italy, during his stay in Kampala, Uganda, for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Meeting  held on 15-16 October.

In addition, the Myanmar Delegation visited the Uganda Buddhist Centre in Kampala. They offered a replica of sacred Buddha relic brought from Myanmar and donated robes, Burmese traditional food, monastic necessities, and financial support. This contribution will aid the centre’s ongoing educational and social welfare activities for its monks, novices, and nuns.

The Uganda Buddhist Centre has a strong connection to Myanmar. It was established in 2005 by Ugandan Venerable Bhante Buddharakkita under the guidance of Myanmar Venerable Sayadaws and with the financial support from donors in the United States. It serves as a key hub for sharing the Buddha Dhamma in Africa.

In addition to its religious mission, the centre also offers education, healthcare and social services to the local community. Today, it is preparing to launch the Africa Buddhist College (ABC). The center’s connection to Myanmar remains active, with one Myanmar venerable monk and two nuns currently engaged in missionary work there. Furthermore, it is reported that there are nearly 70 Uganda novices and nuns in total attending the centre. This visit marks a strategic milestone in advancing Myanmar’s international relations.

Myanmar’s active participation in the NAM platform, along with its support for the Uganda Buddhist Center, stands as a clear testament to the Country’s strong commitment and unwavering efforts toward global peace and development. The Myanmar delegation, led by Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe, arrived back in Myanmar in the evening of October 18.