Dated: January 13, 2014

Yangon:Numerous cities in Myanmar witnessed large-scale demonstrations, condemning terrorist insurgents such as the MNDAA. This group intentionally vandalizes and disrespects Buddha statues and Pagodas, revered as sacred sites by Buddhists.

In this compilation, we showcase a series of protest images captured in cities such as Kawthoung, Dawei, Keng Tung, Mong Hsat, Mong Hpyak, Namsang, Natmouk, Meiktila, Yamethin, and Taung Dwingyi. Additionally, we present photographs from the demonstrations held in Pyay, Thayet, and Zabu Thiri (Naypyitaw) townships.

-ymg/knl

Date: January 13, 2024

Nay Pyi Taw: Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the Chairman of Myanmar's State Administration Council and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, engaged in discussions with General Songwit Noonpackdee, Chief of Defense Forces for the Royal Thai Army, to explore collaborative efforts in combating online gambling and financial fraud in the vicinity of the border town of Myawaddy.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and General Songwit Noonpackdee discussed this matter in a video conferencing on the evening of January 12.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and General Songwit Noonpackdee expressed their concerns for stability and peace in the border areas of the two countries. They discussed the need for cooperation in the fight against online gambling and financial fraud, particularly given the identified instances of these activities near the border town of Myawaddy. The leaders emphasized the necessity for the two countries to work together to combat this situation.

Discussions centered on conditions aimed at bolstering relations, friendship, and cooperation between Myanmar and Thailand, including their respective armies. The primary focus was on ensuring the security and efficiency of border trade, with considerations for both political and security aspects between the two countries and their armed forces. The leaders underscored efforts in drug prevention and counter-terrorism. Additionally, combating illegal trade and information exchange were key points of discussion, as reported by state media.

Furthermore, the military leaders of both countries have committed to enhancing cooperation in humanitarian and assistance efforts, extending beyond collaboration solely between the two armies to encompass ministries of both nations. Additionally, they engaged in a cordial exchange of perspectives concerning the joint prevention of forest fires and cross-border smog pollution in the border regions spanning Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. The discussions also touched upon the conditions necessary for the comprehensive and ongoing collaboration between the two governments and their respective armies across all fields, as reported.

The meeting was attended by Lieutenant General Ye Win Oo and officials from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defense, along with Air Chief Marshal Chakorn Tawanjang and officials from the Royal Thai Army.

-ymg/knl

Date: January 11, 2024

Nay Pyi Taw: State Administration Council Vice Chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Vice Senior General Soe Win has emphasized the need for comprehensive efforts by officials to expedite the commencement of operations at the Kyauk Phyu Special Economic Zone, according to state media.

Vice Senior General Soe Win, who also serves as the Chairman of the Myanmar SEZ Central Committee, urged committee members to accelerate the project during their meeting yesterday in Nay Pyi Taw.

He also mentioned that, with an outlook toward the friendship between Myanmar and China, the Kyauk Phyu SEZ project will significantly contribute to the economic development of both countries.

Despite encountering challenges that resulted in project delays due to rigorous negotiations by the management committee over two years, the central committee conducted a comprehensive review based on the Win-Win principle. He elaborated that, ultimately, the Addendum to the Concession Agreement for the deep-sea port project was successfully signed on December 26, 2023.

The Vice Senior General also said that the Kyauk Phyu Project could be implemented at the fastest pace if the conditions precedent were carried out systematically and swiftly during the 18-month extended period of the Long Stop Date.

The implementation of this project would provide enhanced employment opportunities for local residents, and the emergence of skilled workers could further contribute to the development of other Special Economic Zones (SEZs), emphasized Vice Senior General.

Situated in the Kyauk Phyu Sea port town in Rakhine State, Myanmar, the Kyauk Phyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a collaborative effort between Myanmar and China. Recognized as a strategically significant project, the long-awaited implementation has recently seen accelerated efforts from both sides.

-ymg/knl

Date: January 10, 2024

Nay Pyi Taw: Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the Chairman of the Myanmar ruling council SAC, engaged in discussions yesterday with Mr. Alounkeo Kittikhoun, the special envoy for ASEAN Chair, at the capital city Nay Pyi Taw. The meeting focused on the implementation of ASEAN’s Five Points Consensus in alignment with SAC’s Road Map, as reported by the State Media.

Recently appointed as the ASEAN Special Envoy to Myanmar, Alounkeo Kittikhoun embarked on his inaugural diplomatic mission outside Laos, the current rotating Chair of ASEAN. Upon arriving in Myanmar, the envoy initiated talks with officials representing various stakeholders in the country.

The Senior General and the Special Envoy engaged in discussions concerning the amicable relations between Myanmar and Laos. Their talks encompassed a range of topics, including addressing state responsibilities stemming from alleged voting frauds in the 2020 Multi-Party Democracy General Election, the current situation involves resorting to armed violence instead of advocating for political resolutions to settle political disagreements., collaborative efforts dedicated to fostering stability and national reconciliation, and affirming the commitment of the Military (Tatmadaw) to the Multi-Party Democracy path that resonates with the aspirations of the people.

Additionally, they emphasized Myanmar's full cooperation in the delivery of humanitarian aid and prioritized tasks to be implemented during the 2024 ASEAN Chair's term.

The meeting was attended by SAC Joint Secretary Lt. General Ye Win Oo, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe, and officials accompanying Senior General. The Special Envoy was accompanied by the Laos Ambassador to Myanmar and other officials.

-ymg/knl

8 January 2024

Myanmar's Navy Chief, Admiral Moe Aung, received the appointment as the Union Minister for the Office of the Chairman of the State Administration Council through Order 3/2024 issued on January 8, 2024, by the SAC. Another order, 4/2024, similarly confirmed his role as an Advisor for National Security Affairs to both the SAC Chairman and the SAC.

Vice-Admiral Zwe Win Myint, who previously served as the Chief of Staff (Navy), has been promoted to the position of Navy Chief, according to information from a source closely associated with the military. Typically, military reshufflings are not publicly disclosed.

-ymg/knl

5 January, 2024

Myanmar's State Administration Council (SAC) Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, held discussions on January 5th with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong in Nay Pyi Taw regarding the ongoing collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the border region.

The border issue was one of the topics discussed during the meeting between the visiting Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who also serves as the Prime Minister. This meeting took place on the morning of January 5th at the Military Guest House in Nay Pyi Taw, according to a press release from the State Administration Council (SAC).

They also shared perspectives on the status of amicable cooperation within the PaukPhaw friendship, discussed issues related to enhancing collaboration between the two countries, and deliberated on ongoing efforts to ensure peace and stability in the border region, as stated in the press release.

The meeting was attended by SAC Joint Secretary Lt General Ye Win Oo, Minister for Home Affairs Lt General Yar Pyae, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe, and other officials, along with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. On the Chinese side, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai, Special Envoy for Asian Affairs Deng Xijun, and other representatives were also present.

-ymg/knl