Yangon, Myanmar, 29 November

The CLMV countries—Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam—have introduced an initiative for a joint tourism campaign under the banner "Four Countries, One Destination."

The proposal was made during the 7th Meeting of Tourism Ministers of the CLMV countries, held at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon, Myanmar. This initiative aims to strengthen regional tourism collaboration and promote a unified travel experience across the four countries.

During the meeting, the ministers approved the Tourism Cooperation Action Plan (2025-2026), outlining steps to enhance tourism development. Senior officials from the respective tourism ministries and lead country coordinators were tasked with implementing the plan effectively.

The gathering also recognized Myanmar's successful hosting of the event. The meeting was presided over by Myanmar's Union Minister of Hotels and Tourism, Dr. Thant Thant Khine, and attended by tourism ministers from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the CLMV countries to boost regional tourism and foster economic growth through shared initiatives.

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Naypyidaw, Myanmar, 27 November – Myanmar's ruling body, the State Administration Council (SAC), has officially dismissed reports claiming that the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has sought an arrest warrant for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the Chairman of the SAC.

"Myanmar is not a member of the ICC and, therefore, does not recognize any statements or actions made by the court," stated the SAC's Information Team.

The statement further emphasized that Myanmar adheres to an independent, active, and non-aligned foreign policy in its relations with regional and international communities. It also promotes peaceful coexistence among nations.

International news outlets reported on 27 November that ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan had submitted a request to the court seeking an arrest warrant for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in connection with alleged crimes committed against the Bengali community in 2017.

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Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar — Chairman of Myanmar's State Administration Council (SAC), Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, urged ASEAN police member countries to collaborate in tackling cross-border crimes. He made this statement during a meeting with representatives of ASEAN police forces at the 42nd ASEAN Police Conference, held in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw.

“Joint efforts between the police forces of each country will be crucial in combating drug trafficking, arms and ammunition smuggling, and online fraud,” said the Senior General. He also expressed his gratitude for the active participation of ASEAN members in the conference, which took place from October 23 to 24.

Leaders of the ASEAN Police Delegation and the Executive Director of the ASEAN Police Secretariat conveyed their appreciation for Myanmar’s hospitality. They then discussed cooperation in the area of training and joint efforts to combat transnational crimes.

The conference emphasized the ASEAN police forces' dedication to bolstering regional security and enhancing collaboration in law enforcement, including addressing the growing challenges posed by transnational crime.

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MANDALAY, Myanmar – October 19th, 2024: An explosion occurred at the Chinese Consulate in Mandalay on the evening of October 18th, causing some damage to the building. The explosion took place around 4:30 PM at the consulate located in Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay, the cultural capital of Myanmar.

Security personnel who responded to the incident found that the blast had occurred on the roof of the two-story consulate building, causing approximately 2 feet of damage to the roof tiles. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or other significant damages.

The Information Team of the ruling State Administration Council released a statement on October 19th, confirming that security forces are working closely with consulate officials to investigate the cause of the explosion and apprehend those responsible. Additional security measures have been implemented in the area to ensure safety and prevent further incidents.
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Nay Pyi Taw, October 15 – At the 9th anniversary of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, made a strong declaration against armed terrorist groups, stating that their demands will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Speaking at the ceremony in Nay Pyi Taw, the Senior General emphasized that Myanmar’s conflicts stem from political differences and should be resolved solely through peaceful dialogue at the negotiating table. "There will be no concessions to the demands of armed terrorists," he asserted. "Only through peaceful discussions can we achieve solutions."

He further urged all groups to respect the NCA and work toward national unity, underlining the importance of maintaining the agreement as the path to peace. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing called upon all ethnic armed groups and all parties to join in addressing political issues through peaceful means, rather than violence.

The Senior General criticized rebel terrorist groups, including the MNDAA, TNLA, and AA, for worsening the socio-economic conditions in the country, accusing them of pursuing separatist agendas under the guise of political motivations. "Their actions are nothing more than terrorism masked as political movements," he said, adding that the Tatmadaw will continue necessary measures to counter their activities.

Public collaboration with the military has increased, the Senior General noted, as people grow weary of terrorism and are actively cooperating in anti-terrorism efforts. He urged the public to remain vigilant against terrorist manipulation, assuring that the Tatmadaw will carry out the necessary actions to protect the nation from insurgent threats.

The Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, which was signed by eight Ethnic Armed Organizations on October 15, 2015, under the government of then-President Thein Sein, remains a cornerstone for peace efforts in Myanmar.

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Today, 2 October 2024, is the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, was a social activist, leader and philosopher and the foremost icon of peace and justice in the world. It is in his honour that 2nd October is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti every year. Albert Einstein had said on Mahatma Gandhi “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth”.

Referred to as “the great soul” or “Mahatma,” Gandhi visited Myanmar three times: in 1902, 1915 and 1929. He had great affection and concern for the people of Myanmar. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of Lord Buddha. Gandhi's integration of Buddhist principles shaped his vision for a just society based on ‘Dharma’.

Speaking at a public meeting at Mahabandoola Park on 8th March, 1929 he had shared the message of “Swaraj” or “self-rule”, against British colonial rule. But his message also provided a political tool that empowered people of diverse communities to peacefully, and justly, deliberate on different issues. In fighting for ‘Swaraj,’ he also fought for the idea of a nation that envisions a society where higher goals of ‘Dhamma’ are cherished. He shared that the path to true liberation is rooted in dialogue, social reform, and in the pursuit of the ultimate goal: to uplift the poor and provide them a life of dignity. In this pursuit, Mahatma Gandhi had once said “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

As we all know, India is a land of great diversity, with a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. It is a country where diverse religions, ethnicities, caste, languages — and many others — coexist and flourish. There is no other example of the immense scale and size of diversity, of language, culture and religion, as India, yet moving forward cohesively and purposefully, as the largest democracy and fastest growing major economy of the world. India has forged its own path, under the guidance of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who recognized and accepted that true happiness exists in celebrating this diversity. It is the only way to ensure harmony in a diverse society. Pluralism should not merely be a backdrop, it should be the very essence of identity.

Just as family members look out for one another, the people of India and Myanmar have always stood firmly by and steadfast with each other as kith and kin. It is in times of crisis that such bonds and values are truly tested. Most recently, India was the first responder, in the form of “Operation Sadbhav” after flash floods caused by Typhoon Yagi devastated vast regions and states of Myanmar. 53 tonnes of aid material was handed over by India to the Myanmar authorities within two days of the call for assistance. In past cases of natural disasters like Cyclone Nargis, Cyclone Mocha and COVID-19 pandemic, India had helped with a readiness that reflects a genuine concern for its Myanmar brothers and sisters, without any expectations or setting any conditions in return. India has shown time and again that it is Myanmar’s friend in need and a friend indeed.

Mahatma Gandhi had once said: “My life is my message”. In today’s complex world, the principles embodied by Gandhi are not just historical anecdotes; they can be an essential guide for our collective future. We must navigate our country’s ship with the same wisdom, same resolve and same compassion. Gandhi’s principles should guide us to rise above narrow differences and act now, to bring peace and harmony for the collective benefit for the people of Myanmar.

 ( This article was contributed by Embassy of India in Yangon, Myanmar)