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ARCHIVES	Wednesday, 2 April 2008	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Prime Minister General Thein Sein attends 3rd GMS Summit, GMS closed-door meeting, signing ceremonies

NAY PYI TAW, 1 April - Prime Minister General Thein Sein of the Union of Myanmar attended the opening ceremony of Third Summit of Greater Mekong Sub-region held at Convention Hall Zone A of Don Chan Palace Hotel in Vientiane of Lao People's Democratic Republic at 9.25 am on 31 March.

Present on the occasion were Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jiabao, Laotian Prime Minister Mr Bouasone Bouphavanh, Thai Prime Minister Mr Samak Sundaravej, Vietnamese Prime Minister Mr Nguyen Tan Dung and ADB President Mr Haruhiko Kuroda, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Ministers of GMS countries, high- ranking officials, the Vice-President of ADB, entrepreneur delegates, diplomats of embassies in Vientiane of LPDR, guests and local and foreign journalists.

At the opening ceremony, the master of ceremonies introduced those present to leaders of GMS countries and ADB President Mr Haruhiko Kuroda.

First, Laotian Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh made an opening speech on the occasion and the opening ceremony ended.

Next, Prime Minister General Thein Sein together with ADB President Mr Haruhiko Kuroda arrived at Convention Hall Zone B of Don Chan Palace Hotel where the closed-door meeting of Third Summit of Greater Mekong Sub-region was going to be held.

Afterwards, Prime Minister General Thein Sein, leaders of GMS countries and ADB President Mr Haruhiko Kuroda posed for a documentary photo.

Later, the Third Summit of Greater Mekong Sub-region was held at Convention Hall Zone B at 9.35 am.

It was attended by Prime Minister General Thein Sein, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jiabao, Laotian Prime Minister Mr Bouasone Bouphavanh, Thai Prime Minister Mr Samak Sundaravej, Vietnamese Prime Minister Mr Nguyen Tan Dung and ADB President Mr Haruhiko Kuroda, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Myanmar Ambassador to Lao PDR U Nyunt Hlaing, Ministers of GMS countries and high-ranking officials.

Meeting Chairman Laotian Prime Minister Mr Bouasone Bou-phavanh made an opening speech on the occasion.

Next, ADB President Mr Haruhiko Kuroda briefed on matters relating to programme of GMS countries, Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jiabao on strengthening the infrastructure connectivity and a key ingredient to improve competitiveness, Vietnamese Prime Minister Mr Nguyen Tan Dung on trade and transport facilitation and changing from transport corridors into economic corridors, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen on public-private partnerships for expanding business and investment in the GMS, Thai Prime Minister Mr Samak Sun-daravej on building human resource capacity for enhanced competitiveness and Laotian Prime Minister Mr Bouasone Bouphavanh on GMS cooperation and development partnerships. Afterwards, Prime Minister General Thein Sein held discussions on role of sustainable environmental management in promoting competitiveness.

Later, the meeting chairman reviewed open discussions of leaders of GMS countries and the meeting ended.

Next, Prime Minister General Thein Sein attended a Ceremony for the Completion of Route 3 along the GMS North-South Economic Corridor (NSEC), a Completion Ceremony for Phase 1 of the GMS Information Super-highway Network (IS) Project, Signing of MoU and Signing of the Joint Summit Declaration (JSD).

Present on the occasions were Cam-bodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jiabao, Laotian Prime Minister Mr Bouasone Bouphavanh, Thai Prime Minister Mr Samak Sundaravej, Vietnamese Prime Minister Mr Nguyen Tan Dung and ADB President Mr Haruhiko Kuroda, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Myanmar Ambassador to Laos U Nyunt Hlaing, Ministers of GMS countries and high-ranking officials.

First, the ceremony for the completion of Route 3 along the GMS North-South Economic Corridor (NSEC) was held. The master of ceremonies explained facts about the route 3 with audio visual aid.

Next, the Chinese Premier, the Laotian Prime Minister, the Thai Prime Minister and the President of ADB formally opened the route 3.

After that the completion ceremony for Phase 1 of the GMS Information Superhighway Network (IS) Project followed. The master of ceremonies explained facts about the background, construction and prospects and importance of the IS project with audio visual aid.

Later, Prime Minister General Thein Sein, leaders of GMS countries and the president of ADB pressed the buttons to open the phase 1 of IS project.

Next, the Chinese Premier explained prospects and importance of the IS project and then the Laotian Prime Minister reviewed the discussions and the ceremony ended.

Afterwards,the signing ceremony of MoU and Joint Summit Declaration (JSD) followed.

First, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha and Ministers of GMS countries signed MoU on the Road Map for Implementing GMS Cross-Border Power Trading before the leaders of GMS countries.

Next, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha and Ministers of GMS countries signed MoU on acceleration in the drive for implementing GMS North-South Economic Corridor before the leaders of GMS countries.

Afterwards, the signing ceremony of Joint Summit Declaration of GMS followed. Prime Minister General Thein Sein and leaders of GMS countries signed the Joint Summit Declaration of GMS.

Apart from the introduction, economic cooperation, ongoing challenges, opportunities and future plans, Mekong region development program (2008-2012) and the conclusion are included in Joint Summit Declaration released by Third Summit of GMS.

In the introduction, leaders of Cambodia , China , Laos , Myanmar , Thailand and Vietnam reconfirmed their pledge to implement future visions for ensuring unity, prosperity and equality in the subregion. They further made decision on giving pledge work closely together for the peoples to be more prosperous.

Moreover, development condition of fruitful results achieved from economic cooperation in Mekong Sub-region, future plans and Mekong Sub-region development program have been stated.

NAY PYI TAW, 1 April - Prime Minister General Thein Sein and delegation members arrived back at Nay Pyi Taw Airport from Vientiane of Lao People's Democratic Republic by special flight yesterday afternoon after attending the Third Greater Mekong Sub-region Summit (GMS).

Prime Minister General Thein Sein and party arrived at Wattay International Airport from Don Chan Palace Hotel in Vientiane in the afternoon.

Prime Minister General Thein Sein and delegation members were seen off at the airport by Minister for Agriculture and Forestry Mr Sitaheng Latsaphone, Laotian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Kouily A Souphakhet and officials,

Myanmar

Ambassador to Laos U Nyunt Hlaing, Military Attaché Brig-Gen Than Win and embassy staff.

NAY PYI TAW, 1 April-Prime Minister General Thein Sein, accompanied by Myanmar delegation members, left the Don Chan Palace Hotel and arrived at the residence of the Myanmar ambassador to the Lao People's Democratic Republic at 6.40 pm on 29 March.

Ambassador U Nyunt Hlaing and wife Daw Nan Aye San, Military Attache Brig-Gen Than Win and wife Daw Mya Mya San, embassy staff and family members welcomed the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister inspected the embassy and the residences of the ambassador and the military attaché.

The ambassador and wife, the military attaché and wife and family members of embassy staff paid respects to the Prime Minister.

In his address, the Prime Minister said that Myanmar and Laos have maintained goodneighbourly relations for many years, urging them to place emphasis on further enhancing the bilateral friendly relations and promoting the mutual benefits.

Regarding the efforts the government is making for development of the nation, he said that since the time when the government unavoidably had to take over State duties according to the prevailing situations of the nation, the government has been taking measures for restoration of stability of the State, prevalence of law and order, and community peace. At the same time, it has been constructing a large number of airports, roads, bridges and irrigation facilities throughout the nation with a view to improving the State economic growth and friendly relations among national races. Similarly, it has opened basic education schools, arts and science universities, universities of computer studies, technological universities, hospitals and dispensaries in its drive for constantly producing healthy and strong human resources in various regions who are essential for national development, he said.

Now, the government has built infrastructures for national development. It is making arrangements for the approval of the draft of the State constitution through a referendum due to be held in May, for which legal experts drew systematically the fundamental principles and detailed basic principles at the National Convention for building a democratic nation in compliance with the wishes of the people, he said.

The State constitution is designed to ensure all national races to enjoy all the rights they should get, not in the interests of a particular person or organization. In other words, it was formulated in line with the customs and characters of the people and prevailing situations of the nation, he said.

He called on the family members of the embassy staff to actively take part in the process for approval of the State constitution and transition to democracy.

With respect to rules, he called for abiding by the law and rules and regulations of the host country, respecting the diplomatic code of conduct, and improving the image of the nation and the people.

The Prime Minister presented gifts to the ambassador and wife, the military attaché and wife, embassy staff and their family members.

The ambassador, the military attaché and embassy staff families hosted dinner to the Prime Minister and party.

The Prime Minister cordially greeted the Myanmar youths to GMS Countries' Youth Forum and went back to the Don Chan Palace Hotel.

NAY PYI TAW, 1 April-The opening of the booth to mark the Third Greater Mekong Sub-Region Summit was held on the second floor of Don Chan Palace Hotel in Vientiane , the Lao People's Democratic Republic, on 30 March. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, who was accompanying Prime Minister General Thein Sein, opened the ceremony by cutting the ribbon.

Also present on the occasion were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, ministers from GMS countries, the vice-president of Asian Development Bank, representatives of the third GMS Summit, members of the Youth Forum, officials of ADB and guests.

At the ceremony, Minister U Soe Tha, ministers from Cambodia , China , Laos and Thailand , and the vice-president of ADB took positions on the stage.

Minister for GMS of Lao PDR Madame Khempheng Pholsena and Vice-President of ADB Mr C Lawrence Greenwood, Jr gave speeches.

After the ceremony, Minister U Soe Tha, ministers from Cam-bodia , China , Laos and Thailand , and vice-president of ADB visited the booth.

Paintings of the youths of GMS countries with the title of ?My World My Home?, eco-tourism posters with backgrounds of natural scenes, photos named ?My Mekong?of GMS Youth Forum Group were displayed at the booth.

Minister U Soe Tha took part in Economics and Investment Forum held in Don Chan Palace Hotel, on 30 March. The minister attended the working luncheon hosted by the minister for GMS of Lao PDR at the hotel.

NAY PYI TAW, 1 April-Secretariat Member of the Union Solidarity and Develop-ment Association Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan supervised regional development undertakings in the villages in Pale Township , Monywa District, Sagaing Division, from 29 to 31 March.

On 29 March morning, he had a meeting with the people from nine villages of the township at Chinphyit village basic education high school (branch) in Pale Township . Officials reported on regional development tasks and requirements.

The secretariat member fulfilled the needs, saying that thanks to the earnest effors the government is making, the whole nation including border areas is enjoying fruitful results of development. With the emergence of dams and river water pumping stations in various regions, local farmers are benefiting from the facilities, he said, calling for cooperation with the government in the proceedings for transition to democracy.

He handed over K 700,000 for renovation of Chinpyit village BEHS (branch), K 250,000 for Kyuchan village primary school, K 250,000 for Mayogon village post-primary school, and K 500,000 for Padaukkon village post-primary school, books to rural libraries, exercise books to students, and clothes, soap pieces and utensils to rural people through officials.

He held a meeting with local people from 15 villages at Kyay Thamyar village BEMS (branch) in Pale Township . Officials gave an account of regional development works and needs.

The minister attended to the requirements and elaborated on tasks for regional development.

He presented K 300,000 to the school, K 100,000 to Kangyi village post-primary school, K 100,000 to Minma (West) village middle school (branch), K 200,000 to Popa village post-primary school, K 100,000 to Ywathit village primary school, and K 100,000 to Pa-hto-tha village post-primary school, books to village libraries, and gifts to local people.

The minister visited the Shwezingon pagoda in Minma Village-tract in the same township, and offered alms to State Theravada Buddhist Missionary Sayadaw Ovadacariya Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Agga Maha Pandita Sasana Dhaja Siri Pavara Dhammacariya Bhaddanta Pandita.

He met with local people from eight villages at Lettaung village BEHS at 3 pm. Officials reported on ongoing programmes for regional development and requirements.

The minister attended to the needs, saying that harmonious cooperation between the government and the people has reslulted in the prevalence of peace and stability throughout the nation; that the entire nation including rural areas has enjoyed the fruits of progress in various sectors; and that it is required of the government and the people to sustain cooperation for maintaining the already-achieved momentum in peace and stability and development.

He donated K 200,000 to Lettaunggyi village rural health care centre, publications to rural libraries, exercise books and gifts through officials.

In meeting with townselders of Pale Township at the township PDC office, the secretariat member dealt with development tasks.

YANGON , 31 March - A ceremony to donate cash to Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association was held at Central Hotel here today.

At the cash donation ceremony, Chairman of MWJA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) and central executive committee member of MWJA U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) made speeches.

Next, Chief Editor of Aungmyay Pyinnyapay magazine Dr San Tin Aung donated K 500,000 to the association through U Hla Myaing and officials.

NAY PYI TAW, 2 April-The Government of the Union of Myanmar has agreed to the appointment of Ms Michelle Su-Wen Chan as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Australia to the Union of Myanmar in succession to Mr Robert Joseph Davis.

Ms Michelle Su-Wen Chan holds a BA (Juris) LLB from the University of Adelaide and a MA LLM (International Law) from the Australian National University . Since Joining the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, she had served in various capacities at the Department as well as in the Australian Embassies in Phnom Penh and Hanoi . From 2002 to 2005, she served as Minister-Counsellor of Australian Embassy in Jakarta and currently as Assistant Secretary of South East Asia (South) and Regional issues Branch.

NAY PYI TAW, 1 April CEC Member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung held a meeting with timber entrepreneurs at Myanmar Timber Enterprise in Ahlon Township yesterday and fufilled the requirements of the entrepreneurs.

On 30 March, he offered meals to over 1000 monks and novices at Myoma Soon Offering Association in Bogalay township.

Chairman of the Ayeyawaday Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southwest Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe and the minister gave speeches at the ceremony to open Bogalay Tint Aung Library. The minister and Bogalay Tint Aung opened the library.

The commander unveiled the signboard, and sprinkled scented water on it together with the minister and officials. They looked around the library.

The commander, the minister and well-wishers donated a generator, a computer set, K 7.7 million and periodicals. Bogalay Tint Aung expressed words of thanks.

The minister later inspected construction of new buildings at Aungthabye Basic Education Primary School , No 2 Basic Education Middle School and Sitkon Basic Education Primary School in the town and made cash donations to the schools.

YANGON, 1 April-Sky Home, Yangon branch of Tokyo West International Education Academy of Tokyo, Japan, will be opened along with talks about Japanese language at the Traders Hotel, here, from 9 am to 11 am on 5 April.

The principal and Japanese lectures from Nishi Tokyo education academy will give talks. Any interested person may listen to the free talks.

Sky Home, located on 10th floor of Sandar Myaing Condo at the top of Yangon Hledan Market, conducts Japa-nese, English and Chinese language courses. Those trainees of Sky Home who wish to do further studies of Japanese language in Nishi Tokyo education academy in Japanese will be helped to join the academy in Japan . There is a programme in which children in the fourth standard and above are taught under the Japanese curriculum. For further information, anyone may dial (phone/Fax) 01-535144, 0950-48520, Email (info@skyhome.info, info@tokyo-west.com), and website (www.tokyo-west.com).