NAYPYITAW----- Chairman of State Administration Council Senior General Min Aung Hlaing presented honorary titles insignia conferred on former Prime Minister of Japan Taro Aso for his utmost performance in the development and peace and prosperity of Myanmar to Hideo Watanabe on behalf of the former Japanese Prime Minister in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday. Then, the Senior General conferred the relevant title and insignia on Hideo Watanabe in person.

The SAC chairman conferred honorary titles and medals on those who sacrificed for the development of the nation and peace and prosperity with might and main in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) Independence Day 2023. On 1 and 2 January, the conferring ceremonies were successfully held, and the Senior General himself conferred honorary titles on recipients in individuals at the ceremony.

Relevant chief ministers of regions and states and military command commanders presented honorary titles to the recipients at their homes or the persons on behalf of the recipients who could not attend the conferring ceremonies form various reasons.

The conferring ceremony was held at the parlour of Bayintnaung Villa in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday and it was attended by the SAC chairman and officials, chairman of Myanmar-Japan Association Hideo Watanabe.

Firstly, Union Minister of Home Affairs Lt-Gen Soe Htut read out the orders of conferring the titles and then the SAC chairman conferred Thiri Pyanchi title and insignia on Hideo Watanabe for his excellent performance in the development and peace and prosperity of Myanmar and he also presented the Thray Sithu title and insignia for former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso for his excellent performance in the development and peace and prosperity of Myanmar to Hideo Watanabe on behalf of the former Japanese Prime Minister.

On the occasion, the Senior General expressed his pleasure in conferring the title on the chair of the Myanmar-Japan Association for his emphasizing the development of Myanmar and bilateral friendship for many years. He has been making utmost efforts for focusing on friendly ties between the two countries and the two armed forces, the development of Myanmar and the investment of Japan in Myanmar. Thanks to his efforts, countries and peoples as well as two armed forces could cement friendly relations and cooperation, and the Senior General expressed his belief that the chair of the association would strive for further development of both countries. History cannot be erased but can remain unchanged as long as the world exists.

Hideo Watanabe, in his speech, pledged to further promote friendly relations between the two countries. The former Prime Minister of Japan cannot come here to accept the title in person but he missed the chance due to elections in Japan at present. The former Japanese Prime Minister told the association chairman to convey his message to thank the Senior General. The association chairman pledged to strive for the development of Myanmar and the standing of Myanmar Tatmadaw throughout his life.