Vice-Senior General Maung Aye sees off Prime Minister General Soe Win on his departure for the Philippines

Nay Pyi Taw, 11 Jan — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye saw off Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Soe Win who left here by special aircraft at Nay Pyi Taw Airport at 11.25 am today for the Republic of the Philippines to attend the 12th ASEAN Summit, the Third Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Vietnam Summit, the ASEAN+3 Summit, the ASEAN-China Summit, the ASEAN-Japan Summit, the ASEAN-Korea Summit, the ASEAN-India Summit, and the Second East Asia Summit to be held in Cebu of the Republic of the Philippines at the invitation of Philippine President Mrs Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Also present at the airport were Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, members of the SPDC Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing and Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Brig-Gen Wai Lwin, ministers, the director-general of the SPDC Office, officials, and Charge d’Affaires ai of the Philippines Embassy Mr Joselito Chad N Jacinto Jr.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun, Director-General Col Thant Shin of the Prime Minister’s Office, Director-General U Kyaw Kyaw of the Protocol Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officials of the the SPDC Office and ministeries concerned.

Members of the Myanmar delegation Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha left here in advance for the Cebu of the Philippines on 8 January to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting to be held prior to the Summit.

Prime Minister General Soe Win arrives in Cebu

Nay Pyi Taw, 16 Jan— At the invitation of the Philippines President Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, General Soe Win, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, left for the Philippines to participate in 12th ASEAN Summit, 3rd Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam Summit, 10th ASEAN-China Summit, 10th ASEAN-Korea Summit, 5th ASEAN- India Summit, 10th ASEAN-Japan Summit, 10th ASEAN+ 3 Summit and 2nd East Asia Nations Summit held in Cebu.

Prime Minister General Soe Win was accompanied by Dr Than Nyun, Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office Col Thant Shin, Director-General U Kyaw Kyaw of the Protocal Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

First, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines U Thaung Tun and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Mr Jerril Santos.

Next, Trade and Industry Minister Mr Peter Fivila, Governor of Cebu Ms Gwendolyn Garcia Lapu Lapu, Mayor Mr Arturo Radaza , Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha arriving in Cebu and employees of Myanmar Embassy.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party were conveyed to Shangri Las Mactan Island Resort Hotel in Cebu.

Senior General Than Shwe welcomes back Prime Minister General Soe Win

Nay Pyi Taw, 16 Jan— Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe welcomed back Prime Minister General Soe Win at Nay Pyi Taw Airport today.

Prime Minister General Soe Win participated in 12th ASEAN Summit, 3rd Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam Summit, 10th ASEAN-China Summit, 10th ASEAN-Korea Summit, 5th ASEAN-India Summit,10th ASEAN-Japan Summit, 10th ASEAN+3 Summit and 2nd East Asia Nations Summit held in Cebu, the Philippines at the invitation of Philippine President Mrs Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The Prime Minister was also welcomed back at the airport by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Lt-Gen Myint Swe, Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing and Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Brig-Gen Wai Lwin, ministers, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, and Charge d’ affaires Mr Joselito Chad N Jancinto Jr of the Philippine Embassy to Myanmar.

Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Mi-nister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun, Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office Col Thant Shin,U Kyaw Kyaw, Director-General of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officials concerned of the State Peace and Development Council Office and the respective ministries also arrived back on the same flight.

Prime Minister General Soe Win attends Third Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam Summit Heads of government approve holding of next CLMV summit in Vietnam

Nay Pyi Taw, 16 Jan — The Third Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam Summit was held at Rosal Ballroom-3 of Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort Hotel in Cebu, Philippines on 12 January.

Alternate Chairman of the third CLMV Summit Prime Minister General Soe Win attended the summit.

Also present at the summit were Prime Minister of Cambodia Mr Samdech Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Lao People’s Democratic Republic Mr Bouasone Bouphavanh, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Nyugen Tan Dang, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines U Thaung Tun, heads of departments, Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, Economic Ministers, senior officials and ASEAN Secretariat Mr Ong Keng Yong.

The prime ministers of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam arrived at Rosal Ballroom-3 in the evening. Alternate Chairman of the CLMV Summit Prime Minister General Soe Win welcomed them.

Prime Minister General Soe Win presided over the summit.

Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win read the report of the foreign ministers of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

The Prime Minister of Myanmar discussed the report. Three other prime ministers took part in the discussions.

The discussions focused on development of CLMV member nations, harmonious and effective implementation of development tasks among the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), establishment of the fund for development tasks, foreign investment in member nations, laying down plan for cooperation and integration among the CLMV nations and holding of the fourth summit.

ASEAN Secretariat Mr Ong Keng Yong reported on ASEAN’s assistance for requirements of CLMV nations.

The heads of government approved the holding of next CLMV summit in Vietnam where she also hosts ACMECS Summit, implementation of future tasks of CLMV nations, effective implementation of ASEAN integration programme, new future task on economic cooperation and integration among the CLMV nations and the joint communique of the third CLMV Summit.

The Prime Minister of Myanmar handed over the duties of the Chairman of CLMV Summit to the Prime Minister of the SRV.

The summit ended in the evening.

Prime Minister General Soe Win attends working dinner of Heads of State and Government of ASEAN nations

Nay Pyi Taw, 16 Jan—Prime Minister General Soe Win attended a working dinner of the Heads of State and Government of ASEAN nations held at Room-103 of the Cebu International Convention Centre, the Republic of Philippines on 12 January evening.

Also present on the occasion were King of Brunei Darussalam Saultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Prime Minister of Cambodia Mr Samdech Hun Sen, President of Indonesia Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Prime Minister of Laos Mr Bouasone Bouphavahn, Prime Minister of Malaysia Abdullah Bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, President of the Republic of Philippines Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Thailand General Surayud Chulanont (Retd), Prime Minister of Vietnam Mr Nguyen Tan Dung, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun and heads of department, foreign ministers of ASEAN nations, commerce ministers, deputy ministers, high-ranking officers and ASEAN Secretariat Mr Ong Keng Yong.

The Philippine President extended greetings on the occasion and explained the arrangements for the summit and future tasks.

During the dinner, the Heads of State and Government of ASEAN nations held a discussion in a frank and cordial manner.

After the dinner, Prime Minister General Soe Win attended a meeting held at the meeting hall-101 together with the Head of State and Government of ASEAN nations.

At the meeting, Prime Minster General Soe Win reported on progress of the National Convention, Myanmar’s cooperation with the UN and countries in the region, political, economic and social development and latest development in Myanmar.

Next, the Heads of State and Government of ASEAN nations welcomed the progress of Myanmar and exchanged views on regional and international matters and then dealt with the uplift of the ASEAN’s role in the region.

ASEAN Charter is an important foundation for the future of the association  The word ASEAN Union ought not to be used in setting up ASEAN Prime Minister General Soe Win attends ASEAN HOS/G Meeting with EPG on ASEAN Charter

Nay Pyi Taw, 17 Jan — Prime Minister General Soe Win of the Union of Myanmar attended ASEAN HOS/G Meeting with EPG on ASEAN Charter at Cebu International Convention Centre Room-2 in the Philippines on 12 January.

Present on the occasion were King of Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah, Cambodian Prime Minister Mr Samdech Hun Sen, Indonesian President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Laotian Prime Minister Mr Bouasone Bouphavahn, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Abdullah Bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, Philippine President Madame Gloria Ma-capagal Arroyo, Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Thai Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont (Retd), Vietnamese Prime Minister Mr Nguyen Tan Dung, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, member of eminent persons group of ASEAN Charter Drafting Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun, Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines U Thaung Tun, Director-General U Aung Bwa of ASEAN Affairs Department and technicians from ASEAN countries to draft ASEAN Charter and ASEAN Secretariat Mr Ong Keng Yong.

Before the meeting, Philippine President Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo welcomed the Heads of State and Government ASEAN nations arriving at Cebu International Convention Centre.

At the outset, meeting chairperson President Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo made an introductory speech on the occasion. During the meeting, Prime Minister General Soe Win of the Union of Myanmar highlighted, “ASEAN Charter is an important foundation for the future of the association. The ASEAN Charter is greatly important for the consolidation of member countries. The member countries will have to take into account the durability of the ASEAN Charter and then it should be drafted completely” and “ Some words included in the proposal of eminent persons group have different meanings. In this regard, these words should be defined exactly. The word ASEAN Union ought not to be used in setting up ASEAN. Interna-tional and security affairs will have to be decided only after reaching a consensus. Flexible systems should be applied in the economic matters,” added Prime Minister General Soe Win.

Afterwards, the Heads of State and Government ASEAN nations gave suggestions on the proposal submitted by the eminent persons group. The discussions were held to set up a high level task force to draft ASEAN Charter, submit a paper to be used for making reference and release a joint-declaration of ASEAN concerning the drafting of the charter.

Prime Minister General Soe Win participates in 12th ASEAN Summit  Heads of State/Government sign Five Cebu Declarations

Nay Pyi Taw, 17 Jan - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Soe Win attended the 12th ASEAN Summit at the Summit Complex of Mactan Summit Hall of Shangri-La's Island Resort Hotel in Cebu of the Republic of the Philippines on 13 January and signed the Cebu Declarations.

Also present at the summit were King of Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah, Cambodian Prime Minister Mr Samdech Hun Sen, Indonesian President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Laotian Prime Minister Mr Bouasone Bouphavahn, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, Philippine President Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Thai Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont (Retd), Vietnamese Prime Minister Mr Nguyen Tan Dung and ASEAN Secretary-General Mr Ong Keng Yong.

At 9 am, Heads of State/Government of ASEAN countries including Myanmar arrived at Summit Complex where the 12th ASEAN Summit would be held. They were welcomed by Philippine President Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The Heads of State/Government of ASEAN countries posed for documentary photo.

First, the ASEAN Summit Retreat was held at Summit Complex at 9.15 am, presided over by the Philippine President.

The Philippine President explained the agenda of the retreat. Next, Heads of State/Government of ASEAN countries discussed cooperation among ASEAN countries and progress of the initiative for ASEAN integration.

In his discussions, Prime Minister General Soe Win said that the ASEAN Charter plays an important role in the ASEAN. The Charter will reflect consolidation, strengthening and integration among ASEAN countries. Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to drawing the ASEAN Charter. Furthermore, he spoke of the need to harmoniously carry out tasks of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration and tasks to narrow the development gap among the ASEAN countries.

The Heads of State/Government participated in the discussions on consideration for suggestions of the eminent persons group to draft the ASEAN Charter, the acceleration of the establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015, combating international terrorism, narrowing development gap among ASEAN countries and measures of initiative for ASEAN integration, environmental conservation, measures of energy security, efficient use of energy, utilization of fuel substitute oils, nurturing of educated youth who are adorable to ASEAN, solving the problem of migrant workers, and prevention against HIV/AIDS disease which is going on in the nations of ASEAN.

Next, they exchanged views on relations and cooperation between ASEAN and its dialogue partners and other regional organizations.

At 12 noon, the ASEAN leaders attended the working lunch.

At 2 pm, Chairman of the 27 ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization (AIPO) Jose de Venecia Jr submitted the report of the AIPO to the ASEAN leaders. Chairman Dr Carolina G Hernandez of the 5th ASEAN People's Assembly presented the report.

Afterwards, the ASEAN leaders and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council held a meeting. The Chairman of the Council explained that the ASEAN Business Advisory Committee was established in 1997. As a result, the council managed to give suggestions to conduct cooperation between the Government sector and the private sector in the economic field. They paid visits to 10 ASEAN member countries and held coordination meetings with them to carry out poverty reduction in the ASEAN. The council will cooperate with the ASEAN for narrowing the development gap in the ASEAN region and ensuring the regional identity.

The ceremony to sign the Cebu Declarations of the ASEAN Summit followed at Mactan Ballroom  2/3. The Heads of State/Government of ASEAN countries inked the Cebu Declaration Towards a Caring and Sharing Community, the Cebu Declaration on the Blueprint for the ASEAN Charter, the Cebu Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, the ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism, the ASEAN Convention on the Acceleration of the Establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015.

Next, the Philippine President handed over the signed declarations to the ASEAN Secretary-General. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mr Jose Luis Guterres of Timor Leste and ministers for Foreign Affairs of ASEAN countries signed the Instrument of Extension of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation to Timor Leste in the presence of the Heads of State/Government of the ASEAN countries. Also present on the occasion was Timor Leste Prime Minister Mr Jose Ramos Horta.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor Leste handed over the treaty to the ASEAN Secretary-General through the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.

Afterwards, Representative of the Franch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms Catherine Colonna and the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of ASEAN signed the Instrument of Extension of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation to France.

The Representative of the Franch Ministry of Foreign Affairs handed over the treaty to the ASEAN Secretary-General through the Philippine Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Former ASEAN Secretary-General Mr Rodolfo C Severino presented his book entitled Southeast Asia in Search of an ASEAN Community for the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN countries to the Philippine President. The signing ceremony was attended by Economic Ministers and officials of ASEAN member countries.

Prime Minister General Soe Win attends mid-term ACMECS Summit

Nay Pyi Taw, 17 Jan - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Soe Win attended the mid-term ACMECS Summit held at Rosal Ballroom 3 of Shangri-La's Hotel, Cebu in the Philippines on 13 January.

Also present at the summit were Cambodian Prime Minister Mr Samdech Hun Sen, Laotian Prime Minister Mr Bouasone Bouphavahn, Thai Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont (Retd), Vietnamese Prime Minister Mr Nguyen Tan Dung, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun, Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines U Thaung Tun, and ministers, deputy ministers and high ranking officials of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

First, the heads of ACMECS, the prime ministers of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam posed for a documentary photo.

Next, Thai Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont (Retd) presided over the summit and dealt with the progress of ACMECS.

During the summit, Prime Minister General Soe Win highlighted, �the Second ACMECS has further approved the Bagan Declaration expecting sustainable development of scio-economic life. Myanmar will try to realize the implementation of goals in 2012 of ACMECS. Myanmar is actively participating in the fields of CLMV, ACMECS, ASEAN, GMS and BIMSTEC and that is focusing on regional cooperation" and "When reviewing the functions of ACMECS, there has been increased in trade, investment, agriculture, transportation, tourism and industry. The coordination meetings are to be held to acquire effective assistance from friend nations because funds are necessary in cooperative measures,� added the Prime Minister.

Afterwards, the discussions were held to coordinate and implement cooperative measures designated by the ACMECS and hold the Third ACMECS in Vietnam in 2007.

Prime Minister General Soe Win meets Philippine President Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Nay Pyi Taw, 17 Jan - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Soe Win during his tour of Cebu, the Philippines, called on Philippine President Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at Red Room of Shangri-La's Hotel, Cebu in the Philippines on 13 January.

Present at the meeting were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun, Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines U Thaung Tun, Director-General of Protocol Department U Kyaw Kyaw, Foreign Minister of the Philippines Mr Alberto G Romulo, Trade and Industry Minister Mr Peter Favila and officials.

During the meeting, they frankly discussed mutual interests between the two countries.

Prime Minister General Soe Win attends dinner hosted by Philippine President Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and husband

Nay Pyi Taw, 17 Jan - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Soe Win attended the dinner hosted by Philippine President Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and husband at Marquee, Shangri-La's Hotel Mactan, Cebu in the Philippines on 14 January.

Present at the dinner were King of Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah, Cambodian Prime Minister Mr Samdech Hun Sen, Laotian Prime Minister Mr Bouasone Bouphavahn, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Abdullah Bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Thai Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont (Retd), Vietnamese Prime Minister Mr Nguyen Tan Dung, Australian Prime Minister Mr John Howard, Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jiabao, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Japanese Prime Minister Mr Shinzo Abe, Korean President Mr Roh Moo Hyun, Prime Minister of New Zealand Mr Helen Clark, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun, and ministers, deputy ministers and high ranking officials from Australia, China, Japan, India, Republic of Korea, New Zealand and ASEAN nations, ASEAN Secretary-General Mr Ong Keng Yong, members of ASEAN Charter Eminent Persons Group and special invited guests.

At the outset, Philippine President Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and husband warmly welcomed Heads of State and Government of ASEAN nations, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand who arrived at the dinner.

During the dinner, Philippine artistes entertained those present with traditional and modern songs and dance to the accompaniment of Philippine band.

Prime Minister General Soe Win attends the 10th ASEAN-China, ASEAN-Korea and ASEAN-Japan, the 5th ASEAN-India and 10th ASEAN+3 Summits

Nay Pyi Taw, 17 Jan - Prime Minister General Soe Win attended the 10th ASEAN-China, ASEAN-Korea and ASEAN-Japan, the 5th ASEAN-India and the 10th ASEAN+3 Summits, the dialogue partner meetings, in Cebu, the Philippines on 14 January.

The ASEAN-China Summit was held at Ballroom-3, Mactan, Shangri-La Hotel.

Before the summit, ASEAN leaders and Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jiabao posed for documentary photos.

Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jiabao explained ASEAN-China relations and cooperation and China's assistance for development and integration of ASEAN and future tasks for cooperation.

ASEAN leaders said ASEAN-China relations have improved. They focused on uplift of ASEAN-China cooperation, continued assistance by China for ASEAN Integration and development tasks, establishment of Free Trade Area among ASEAN and China, security of energy in the regions, prevention against infectious diseases and violence, support of the important role of China in solving the nuclear problem of Korea Peninsular and efforts for Asian and Pacific nations.

Next, the agreement signing ceremony between ASEAN and China was held at Mactan Ballroom 4. Economic Ministers of ASEAN including Minister for Foreign Affairs of the PRC Mr Li Zhaoxing and Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha signed the Agreement on Trade in Services of the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation, the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs and ASEAN Secretary-General Plan of Action to Implement the Beijing Declaration on ASEAN-China ICT Cooperative Partnership for Common Development, and the Minister for Agriculture of the PRC and ASEAN MoU Between the Ministry of Agriculture of the PRC and ASEAN Secretariat on Agricultural Cooperation.

Present on the occasion were ASEAN leaders, the Chinese Premier and the ASEAN Secretary-General. ASEAN-Korea Summit was held at Ballroom 3. Before the summit, ASEAN leaders and the President of Republic of Korea Mr Roh Moo Hyun posed for souvenir photos.

The President of ROK explained ASEAN-Korea cooperation and developments regarding the establishment of Free Trade Area.

ASEAN leaders exchanged views on effective solution to nuclear issue of Korean Peninsula in accord with the resolution of the UN Security Council, providing assistance for ASEAN integration, establishment of ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area, sharing of knowledge and experiences of ROK in the establishment of small and medium scale economic enterprises, technology transfer for ASEAN ICT tasks, relations and cooperation among the ASEAN and Korea, violence, transnational crime, energy security and promotion of ASEAN-Korean cooperation.

Prime Minister General Soe Win attends 2nd East Asia Summit, signs the Cebu
Declaration on East Asian Energy Security

Nay Pyi Taw, 18 Jan - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Soe Win attended the 2nd East Asia Summit at Cebu International Convention Centre in Cebu of the Republic of the Philippines on 15 January morning and signed the Cebu Declaration on East Asian Energy Security.

At 8.45 am, Heads of State/Government of East Asian countries including Myanmar arrived at Cebu International Convention Centre where they were welcomed by Philippine President Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Also present at the 2nd East Asia Summit were King of Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah, Cambodian Prime Minister Mr Samdech Hun Sen, Indonesian President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Laotian Prime Minister Mr Bouasone Bouphavahn, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, Philippine President Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Thai Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont (Retd), Vietnamese Prime Minister Mr Nguyen Tan Dung, Australian Prime Minister Mr John Howard, Premier Mr Wen Jiabao of the People's Republic of China, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Japanese Prime Minister Mr Shinzo Abe, President of the Republic of Korea Mr Roh Moo Hyun, Prime Minister of New Zealand Mrs Helen Clark and ASEAN Secretary-General Mr Ong Keng Yong.

At the summit, they exchanged views on establishment of the East Asian society, poverty reduction in the region, regional energy security, bilateral cooperation in education sector for nurturing human resources, combating epidemic diseases including bird flu, prevention against natural disasters and search and rescue measures, enhancement of regional cooperation, and peaceful solution to Korean peninsula matter.

Prime Minister General Soe Win took part in the discussions on seeking ways and means for energy security, development of the priority sectors, reduction of poverty, and prevention against epidemic diseases including HIV/AIDS.

President of Asian Development Bank (ADB) Mr Haruhiko Kuroda explained economy of the East Asian countries, cooperation and integration in the region. He said that as the GDP of East Asian countries rose about 5 per cent in 2006 and 10 ASEAN countries, about 6 per cent, the economy of East Asian region was expected to reach up 40 per cent of the world economy in 2030. However, the region needs to overcome hurdles of poverty, requirements of water, power and transportation, damages at environmental conservation and spread of infectious diseases.

Next, 16 leaders of the East Asian countries posed for documentary photos.

Afterwards, they signed the Cebu Declaration on East Asian Energy Security. The Philippine President handed over the declaration to the ASEAN Secretary-General.

At 12:15 pm, they attended the working lunch.

Due to the decision in the 2nd East Asia Summit, Energy Ministers of East Asian countries will hold the meeting on energy security of the region.

Prime Minister General Soe Win attends 5th ASEAN-India Summit, 10th ASEAN-Japan Summit and 10th ASEAN+3 Summit

Nay Pyi Taw, 18 Jan - Prime Minister General Soe Win of the Union of Myanmar attended the 5th ASEAN-India Summit, the 10th ASEAN-Japan Summit and the 10th ASEAN+3 Summit held in Cebu, the Philippines on 14 January.

The 5th ASEAN-India Summit was held at Sugbu Summit Hall of Shangri-La's Hotel, Mactan at 3:15 pm on 14 January. Philippine President Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo presided over the summit.

Before the summit, ASEAN leaders and Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh posed for a documentary photo.

At the outset of the summit, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh dealt with progress of ASEAN-India cooperation in the various areas. Next, ASEAN leaders held discussions on measures for extension of the establishment of free trade area, prevention and fight against danger of terrorism, industry sector, bio-technology sector and sophisticated and traditional medicines sector. The coordination meetings were held to carry out the tasks for transportation among ASEAN nations and human resources development. They exchanged views on enhancement of ASEAN-India cooperation in different areas and peace and stability in the region. The Indian Prime Minister together with ASEAN leaders participated in the discussions. Next, the 10th ASEAN-Japan Summit was held at 5 pm on the same day.

Before the summit, ASEAN leaders and Japanese Prime Minister Mr Shinzo Abe posed for a documentary photo. At the summit, Japanese Prime Minister Mr Shinzo Abe and ASEAN leaders exchanged views on the acceleration of cooperation for the development of ASEAN nations and human resources and regional cooperation, extension of economic cooperation of ASEAN-Japan, peace and stability of Korean Peninsula and the emergence of East Asia community with the leadership of ASEAN nations and three dialogue partners. Next, the Japanese Prime Minister and ASEAN leaders gave suggestions on promotion of ASEAN-Japan cooperation.

Afterwards, the Japanese Prime Minister dealt with the enhancement of regional cooperation, the emergence of East Asia community and ways to be sought to provide assistance to ASEAN nations.

Next, the 10th ASEAN+3 Summit followed attended by ASEAN leaders, heads of China, Japan and Korea and the ASEAN Secretary-General.

Before the summit, ASEAN leaders together with Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jiabao, Japanese Prime Minister Mr Shinzo Abe and Korean President Mr Roh Moo Hyun posed for a documentary photo.

At the summit, Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jiabao, Japanese Prime Minister Mr Shinzo Abe and Korean President Mr Roh Moo Hyun said that they were making efforts for the integration of ASEAN+3 and the emergence of East Asia community.

Next, ASEAN leaders participated in the discussions on the peaceful solution to the problem of Korean Peninsula, fight against terrorism, utilization of fuel substitute oils to save natural energy resources, establishment of free trade area, poverty reduction in the region, narrowing of development gap among ASEAN nations, emergence of East Asia community, combating of infectious diseases and prevention against natural disaster.

FM U Nyan Win attends ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings

Nay Pyi Taw, 18 Jan - Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win met with Philippine Foreign Minister Mr Alberto G Romulo and held discussions on ASEAN affairs and bilateral relations between the two countries at Shangri-La's Hotel on 10 January.

In the evening, Foreign Minister U Nyan Win attended the working dinner of ASEAN foreign ministers.

The following day, Foreign Minister U Nyan Win attended ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting, ASEAN-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting, ASEAN-Korea Foreign Ministers' Meeting and ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting held at Shangri-La's Hotel as well as the working dinner of ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the dinner hosted by the Philippine Foreign Minister.

The next day, Foreign Minister U Nyan Win met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Dr Hassan Wirayuda at Shangri-La's Hotel. Next, Foreign Minister U Nyan Win presided over the Foreign Ministers' Meeting of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam and reviewed cooperative measures of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam during the meeting. Furthermore, Foreign Minister U Nyan Win attended the meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers and the Foreign Minister of Timor Leste and Minister Level Meeting of Mekong-Ganges Co-operation.

Next, Foreign Minister U Nyan Win attended the signing ceremony of Instrument of Extension of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation to Timor Leste and France and signed it.

Prime Minister General Soe Win arrives back

Nay Pyi Taw, 18 Jan - Prime Minister General Soe Win of the Union of Myanmar during his working tour of Cebu, the Philippines together with Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Than Nyun, Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office Col Thant Shin and heads of departments left Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort Hotel for Cebu International Airport at 11:15 am on 16 January.

Cebu Province Governor Ms Gwendolyn Garcia, Head of Protocol Department Mr Jerril Santos of Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officials, Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines U Thaung Tun and embassy staff saw off the Prime Minister and party at Cebu Intenational Airport.

While the Prime Minister and party were boarding aircraft, Philippine traditional and cultural troupe presented entertainment at the airport.

Next, the Prime Minister and party greeted those present at the airport and arrived back at Nay Pyi Taw by air in the evening of 16 January.