Three neighbouring countries pledge continued support for Myanmar’s peace efforts
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Phyo/Thuta Kyaw(NP News)- Oct 19
Myanmar's three neighbouring countries, China, India, and Thailand, will continue to support and encourage the government's ongoing efforts for peace, according to representatives from these countries at the ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) held on October 15.
Mr. Deng Xijun, the Special Envoy for Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, on behalf of the international witnesses who signed the NCA, Mr. Shri Abhay Thakur, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar on behalf of the Indian witness and Foreign Secretary, Mr. Plsanu Suvanajata, Acting Secretary-General of the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council (APRC) from Thailand, and former Thai Ambassador to Myanmar, respectively, delivered those kind of remarks in their congratulatory speeches.
Over the past decade, Myanmar has faced a variety of domestic and external situations, as well as challenges such as epidemics, typhoons, and earthquakes, fully demonstrating the country's resilience, said Mr. Deng Xijun, Special Envoy for Asian Affairs.
"Myanmar people need peace. As a friendly neighbour, China firmly supports Myanmar's right to safeguard its independence, sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity. We also firmly support Myanmar's commitment to internal peace and stability. However, we do not want conflicts to escalate or an unruly situation to arise in Myanmar," he said.
Mr. Deng Xijun said that China has helped the Tatmadaw to hold peace talks and sign ceasefire agreements in recent years, and on the other hand, has contributed to the stability and improvement of the relevant areas. China respects Myanmar's sovereignty and is ready to continue to play a positive role in mediating the peace talks as a mediator, while respecting Myanmar's sovereignty.
“We will gradually strengthen the implementation of key projects along the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and provide livelihood programs,” he said.
Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr. Shri Abhay Thakur said that India always supports finding the most appropriate solution to the Myanmar issue.
“We have always supported a solution that is led by Myanmar and is best suited to the country it belongs to,” he said.
He also said that Myanmar is at the crossroads of India's important foreign policies, such as the Neighborhood First Policy, the Act East Policy, and the Indo-Pacific Priority.
"India has always stood by Myanmar as a trusted neighbour and partner with whom we have had cultural, religious, and people-to-people ties for many years," he said.
“Myanmar is not just a neighbouring country for Thailand—it is like a family. Myanmar’s peace is our peace, and Myanmar’s stability is our stability,” said Mr. Plsanu Suvanajata, former Thai ambassador to Myanmar and Acting Secretary-General of the Asia Peace and Reconciliation Council (APRC).
“For this reason, Thailand has consistently supported Myanmar’s peace efforts from the very beginning and will continue to do so. We firmly believe that Myanmar’s peace should be achieved under Myanmar’s leadership and owned by the people of Myanmar themselves,” he said.
He said that as a friendly and amiable country, Thailand will always be ready to listen, help, and support.
“I would like to reiterate that Thailand and ASEAN are ready to support all constructive engagements between Myanmar and the region that are inclusive and produce real results,” he added. –