The Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and Prime Minister, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, stated that Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) should not only voice their desires but also discuss what is appropriate and feasible. He emphasized that one-sided privileges cannot be granted.
The Myanmar delegation led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who successfully strengthened friendship and cooperation with the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, departed from Novosibirsk, Russia, on March 9 at local noon time. During an exclusive interview with the media on the special flight, the SAC Chairman made the above remarks.
"We are truly ready to work together. What I want to say to the EAOs is: do not just talk about what you want. It is better to discuss what should be done and what is possible. Everyone has desires, and I also have many desires. But my desires may or may not come true. It is better to focus on what should be done and what is possible. We have said that we grant democratic rights and ethnic rights. Looking around the world, everyone receives fair rights. One-sided privileges cannot be given. I want to emphasize that it is appropriate to consider the interests of the ethnic groups," said the SAC Chairman.
He added that they have prioritized the interests of ethnic groups and are determined to provide support. Regardless of the circumstances, they will prioritize and assist all ethnic regions that have been left behind, and they are doing their best to address these issues.
The SAC Chairman stated, "We have already made a political decision. Politically, we have decided to move towards a multi-party democracy as demanded by the people. To implement this, we need cooperation on one hand and to achieve internal peace on the other. Therefore, the Russian President has also expressed Russia's willingness to assist Myanmar. Similarly, Belarusian President H.E. Mr. Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko has pledged full cooperation and support for Myanmar. This is a source of strength for us and our country."
Geographically, Myanmar is strategically located at a crossroads. It is the westernmost country in Southeast Asia and the ASEAN region. To the west, Myanmar borders India, with a population of over 1.4 billion, and Bangladesh, with over 160 million people. To the southeast, it neighbours China, with a population of around 1.4 billion. Combining these three, the total population is nearly 4 billion.
"If we look at the crossroads, heading south leads to the Indian Ocean, north through China to Russia, west to India, and southeast to all ASEAN countries. No country has better opportunities than Myanmar. Whether basing economic activities in Myanmar or transiting through it, one can access this vast market. This is a significant advantage," said the SAC Chairman and Prime Minister.
He also emphasized that Myanmar will not abandon agriculture, livestock, and future science and technology. These sectors form the foundation for industrial development and scientific advancement, allowing for the integration of both low and high technologies. Therefore, cooperation will bring great benefits to the nation.
