By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

 

“The Armed Forces of Myanmar is constantly engaged in protecting and preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. They have made enormous sacrifices to make our country safe so that our future generation is secure,” said H.E. U Thant Sin, Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

Delivering welcoming remarks at an event to mark the 79th Anniversary of Myanmar Armed Forces Day held at the Riverside Hotel in Seoul on March 27, Amb. U Thant Sin said, “The Armed Forces Day serves as an opportunity for the government and military leadership to reaffirm their commitment to national defense and security to ensure a prosperous future for the nation.”              

 

                                                                          
Noting that Myanmar and Korea have long-standing close relations, he said, “There are many things that the two countries can learn from each other, due to many commonalities. Historically, Myanmar and Korea have engaged in defense exchanges, including military training programs, joint exercises, and defense industry cooperation. These efforts aim to enhance not only bilateral relations, but also promote security cooperation, and strengthen defense capabilities.”

More than 700 distinguished guests from the Korean government and various other segments of Korean society, as well as the ambassadors and other senior diplomats from the Seoul Diplomatic Corps, attended the gala reception.

 

Among distinguished guests who attended the gala event were Amb. Songkane Luangmuninthone of Laos, Amb. Andrew Chernetsky of Belarus, Col. Jun Sang-geun, Chief of Foreign Liaison Office of the Ministry of National Defense of Korea, and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Wint Thu of Myanmar.

 

The following is the full-text of welcoming remarks by Amb. U Thant Sin of Myanmar.

 

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and Gentlemen,
Mingalarpar, Annyeonghaseyo, and Good Evening, 
First of all, I would like to extend my warmest greetings and sincere appreciation to all the distinguished guests, particularly Col. Jun Sanggeun, Chief of Foreign Liaison Office of the Ministry of National Defense of Korea, for your kind presence here today to commemorate the 79th Anniversary of Myanmar Armed Forces Day. 

 

 

Today is a special day for us. We commemorate this day to pay tribute to our valiant Armed Forces and their discipline, and patriotism, who fought fearlessly and bravely to defend the motherland when the then Burmese Army started resistance to Japanese occupation in 1945. So, this day, 27th of March, stands out in our history as a symbol of courage, nationalism, and commitment shown by the Myanmar Armed Forces. 

 

Today, the Armed Forces of Myanmar is constantly engaged in protecting and preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. They have made enormous sacrifices to make our country safe so that our future generation is secure. Additionally, the Armed Forces Day serves as an opportunity for the government and military leadership to reaffirm their commitment to national defense and security to ensure a prosperous future for the nation. 

 

 

On this special day, large-scale military parades, demonstrations of military capabilities, and cultural performances are commonly featured as part of the celebrations in my country, Myanmar.

 

 Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and Gentlemen,
          Myanmar and Korea have long-standing close relations. There are many things that the two countries can learn from each other, due to many commonalities. Historically, Myanmar and Korea have engaged in defense exchanges, including military training programs, joint exercises, and defense industry cooperation. These efforts aim to enhance not only bilateral relations, but also promote security cooperation, and strengthen defense capabilities.

 

        Myanmar eagerly anticipates further enhancing our amicable ties with ASEAN, neighboring countries, and the international community across diverse domains, while extending a warm invitation to Korea’s perspectives on advancing peace talks on the Korean peninsula and its Indo-Pacific Strategy. 
 
Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,
           Before I conclude, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Defense Attaché Brigadier General Wint Thu for his effortlessly coordinating and executing the arrangements for this special occasion.

 

I would also like to sincerely thank all the distinguished guests attending today’s event. Your valuable time and presence have undoubtedly added depth and significance to our event. I deeply appreciate your support and participation, which contribute to the strength and unity of our nation.