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Myanmar's New President Vows Democracy Push Amid ASEAN Outreach

Myanmar's newly inaugurated President Min Aung Hlaing acknowledged his government faces major hurdles while pledging to prioritize democracy and peace. He stated efforts would be made to normalize the country's relationship with the ASEAN regional bloc, from which it has been barred since the 2021 coup. The former military commander, elected by an army-backed process, also emphasized boosting foreign investment and strengthening agriculture. Concurrently, India's Minister of State for External Affairs visited Myanmar to attend the inauguration and discuss bilateral cooperation.

Key Points: Myanmar President Seeks ASEAN Ties, Acknowledges Challenges

  • Acknowledges significant challenges
  • Pledges to normalize ASEAN ties
  • Prioritizes democracy and peace
  • Focuses on boosting foreign investment
2 min read

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing flags challenges ahead, seeks to restore ASEAN ties

Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing pledges democracy and peace, seeks to restore ASEAN relations and boost foreign investment in inaugural speech.

"Myanmar is now well on its way toward democracy, but the new government has a lot of challenges to overcome. - Min Aung Hlaing"

Naypyidaw, April 10

Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing on Friday acknowledged that his newly formed government faces significant challenges and pledged efforts to normalise ties with the regional bloc Association of Southeast Asian Nations, according to the Khaleej Times.

Addressing parliament during his inauguration speech in Naypyidaw, the former junta chief said his administration would prioritise peace and democracy while focusing on boosting foreign investment, strengthening agriculture, and implementing long-term strategic plans.

"Myanmar is now well on its way toward democracy, but the new government has a lot of challenges to overcome," he said, adding, "Our priorities are democracy and peace."

He further stated that the government would work to "enhance international relations" with ASEAN.

According to Global Times, Min Aung Hlaing was officially sworn in as president earlier in the day during a ceremony held before the Speaker of the Union Parliament, Aung Lin Dwe. The oath-taking took place during the sixth-day session of the first regular sitting of the Third Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Union Parliament).

U Nyo Saw and Nan Ni Ni Aye were also sworn in as vice presidents, alongside several senior officials including members of the judiciary, cabinet, and key national institutions.

Min Aung Hlaing, who previously served as commander-in-chief Myanmar's armed forces, was elected president by the Presidential Electoral College on April 3, formalising his hold on power nearly five years after leading a military coup.

His transition from military leader to civilian president follows an election victory by the army-backed party, widely criticised by opponents and Western governments as lacking credibility and aimed at entrenching military rule under the guise of democracy.

Following the 2021 coup and subsequent crackdown, ASEAN barred Myanmar's junta leadership from attending its summits, complicating the country's regional engagement.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh embarked on a four-day visit to Myanmar from April 8 to April 11 to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new President in Nay Pyi Taw.

According to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday, Singh is scheduled to hold meetings with key officials of the Myanmar government to discuss ongoing trade, economic, and developmental cooperation initiatives.

The MoS will also engage with members of the Indian diaspora and Friends of India in Yangon, highlighting India's continued commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's good that India is maintaining diplomatic channels. Stability in Myanmar is directly linked to stability in our North-East. But we must be careful not to legitimize a regime that came to power through a coup. Our support should be for the people of Myanmar, not just the government. 🙏
R
Rohit P
"Well on its way toward democracy"? That's a bit hard to swallow. The military just changed uniforms. ASEAN was right to keep them out. India's engagement is necessary, but our government should also quietly push for the release of political prisoners and a genuine roadmap.
S
Sarah B
The focus on boosting agriculture and foreign investment is key. If Myanmar's economy improves, it can reduce illegal migration and smuggling across our porous borders. A prosperous neighbor is a secure neighbor. Hope the talks on trade cooperation yield concrete results.
K
Karthik V
Engaging with the Indian diaspora there is a smart move. They are our cultural ambassadors and can provide ground-level insights. Let's see if this normalisation with ASEAN actually happens or if it's just lip service. The region needs peace, not more instability.
M
Michael C
As a respectful criticism, I think India's approach is too soft. We talk about democracy but shake hands with generals. There has to be a balance between realpolitik and standing for democratic values. Our silence on the crackdowns hasn't gone unnoticed internationally.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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