Min Aung Hlaing affirmed that Myanmar is not in a hurry to accept ASEAN's conditions to restore political relations, emphasizing that it will proceed through a path determined by Myanmar itself.
On July 31, 2569 at 15.02:XNUMX p.m., Bloomberg News reported that Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar's military junta, signaled that Myanmar is not in a hurry to accept conditions from neighboring countries. In exchange for the restoration of political relations with the ASEAN community, Myanmar affirmed its commitment to continuing relations with ASEAN according to Myanmar's own guidelines, prioritizing its national interests and sovereignty.
In his second State of the Nation address to Congress since taking office as president on Friday (July 31), Min Aung Hlaing accused Some ASEAN member countries use discriminatory and unconstructive approaches.The government has consistently criticized Myanmar over the past five years, although it did not directly name any country, stating that it would respond to such actions on a case-by-case basis.
Myanmar's role in ASEAN has been diminished since the 2021 coup that overthrew the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi. ASEAN resolved not to invite Min Aung Hlaing and his cabinet to the leaders' summit until progress was made in implementing the Five-Point Consensus, which covers ending violence, ending the civil war, protecting civilians, and releasing political prisoners.
However, in recent times, ASEAN has begun making efforts to reopen channels of dialogue with Myanmar, particularly Thailand, which has been pushing for the restoration of relations with the military government. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to host Min Aung Hlaing next week, following the Myanmar leader's recent visits to India, China, and Laos since taking office earlier this year.
Min Aung Hlaingspecify that Myanmar is open to ASEAN's proposals if they align with its roadmap, while reiterating that the government will pursue an independent, non-partisan foreign policy and prioritize national interests.
Regarding economic goals, Min Aung Hlaing announced that the government aims to double the gross domestic product (GDP) during his term in office. This relies on investments in large-scale energy projects such as the controversial Myitsone Dam, as well as the development of nuclear power plants.
He also unveiled a five-year national development plan to rebuild the nation, divided into a two-year foundation-laying phase and a three-year accelerated construction phase. He stated that by-elections would be held in 102 cities by 2027.
meanwhile Min Aung Hlaingsaid The government is accelerating its crackdown on drug trafficking networks and online scam gangs, which are considered threats to national security. Authorities stated that they have detained more than 75,000 illegal immigrants and demolished 77 illegal buildings in the Shwe Kokko area, a hub for call center scams.
However, the World Bank recently lowered its forecast for Myanmar's economic growth this year from 3% to 2%, citing uncertainty stemming from the conflict between the United States and Iran as a factor impacting the country's economic outlook.
refer : www.bloomberg.com
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