Statement by Secretary-1 at Course
in Diplomacy III Inaugural Ceremony
Yangon, 25 June 2001
Excellencies,
Heads of Department,
Professors,
Trainees attending the Course,
Distinguished Guests,
A study of the
present international situation will show that in this fast changing world
of ours, nations and regions of the world are becoming more and more inter
dependent on one another. The galloping pace of globalization also means
that the economies of the world are linked more closely together and the
impact of a decision or an event in a region or even in a country can be
felt around the world. Moreover, it can be said that the rapid advances in
information and communication technology (ICT) have also transformed the
world into a truly global village.
Under such
circumstances, no nation can stay aloof or isolated but must play its
appropriate role in the mainstream of international activities. After
taking into consideration our policies and priorities as well as the
prevailing international situation and trends, Myanmar is also trying to
be in the mainstream of the international community. Consequently,
Myanmar's external activities have grown dramatically in recent years.
To meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world and the rapidly
expanding international relations, Myanmar's diplomats must necessarily be
fully qualified and skilled. It is gratifying to note that, in keeping
with these objectives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been conducting
various courses and seminars to improve the efficiency of its personnel.
In these times, it is essential for our diplomats to be of international
standards in order to fully serve the national interests of the country.
Therefore, our officials must strive hard to become diplomats who can
function effectively and efficiently in the conduct of international
affairs by being well versed in international relations and diplomacy as
well as by being fully aware of the nation's policies, objectives and
endeavours.
As is well known in Myanmar today, the Government, people and the Armed
Forces have joined hands together and are working day and night in trying
to build a peaceful, modern and developed state in Myanmar. Unfortunately,
some countries have turned a blind eye to the Government's sincerity and
endeavours and are continuing to apply political pressure and economic
sanctions against Myanmar for their own political ends. It is now more
than 10 years since the imposition of economic sanctions by some western
nations. But the actual situation on the ground has proved that these
actions have not been as successful as they would like. Similarly,
pressure tactics have also not had as much impact as they had hoped for
since the nation's economic and social infrastructure continues to
progress steadily. For example, during the 1996-97 to 2000-2001 Five Year
Plan that ended last March, the country registered an average annual
growth rate of 8.4 per cent bringing about a higher standard of living,
better quality of life and significantly higher per capital income. These
are undeniable facts known to the people and to all objective observers.
These countries have also tried to isolate our nation internationally.
Instead of being ostracized, the nation's external relations and friendly
ties with other nations have grown steadily. Last year, countries and
groups that hold negative views against Myanmar pushed the ILO Governing
Body to institute unprecedented and unfair measures against Myanmar.
However, these measures were unanimously opposed by ASEAN states and other
friendly countries and recent events have shown that these measures have
received little support. Due to the assistance and support of friendly and
sympathetic nations that would like to see fairness and objectivity
prevail, Myanmar was able to stand with dignity and honour.
As a responsible member of the international community, Myanmar is also
participating actively in various international fora including the United
Nations and its subsidiary organs in accordance with the principles laid
down in the UN Charter and is cooperating with them within the framework
of its national objectives and policies.
Currently, some opposition groups are spreading allegations based on false
information, claiming that there are widespread human rights abuses and
forced labour in the country. These allegations are completely groundless.
The Government is taking systematic diplomatic steps to refute them and to
let the world know of the true situation of the country.
Under these circumstances, it is imperative for the international
community to be well informed with the objective conditions of the nation
and our diplomats should pay special attention to carry out this task
successfully. In fulfilling this high responsibility, our diplomats must
not only constantly study the latest conditions and trends in
international relations and diplomacy, they must also fully understand and
appreciate the policies, objectives, programmes and endeavours of the
Government. It is only when they are aware of the true situation and the
national objectives of the country, will they be able to present them to
the international community in an accomplished, faithful and effective
manner.
In acquainting the international community about the true conditions of
Myanmar, it is also important to inform the world about Myanmar's foreign
policy and activities, especially Myanmar’s desire to maintain friendly
relations with all the countries of the world, particularly the
neighbouring states. It has been found that opposition groups and groups
holding negative views in attacking Myanmar are trying to sow seeds of
discord between Myanmar and friendly countries, particularly the
neighbouring countries. It is well-known to all that in its relations with
its neighbours, Myanmar strictly adheres to the Five Principles of
Peaceful Co-existence and practices good-neighbourly policy according to
the saying “Let amity be prolonged and enmity be short-lived.” It is also
the desire of Myanmar for the border areas with all of its neighbours to
be zones of peace, harmony and prosperity. Therefore Myanmar has never
allowed any opposition group to use Myanmar territory as base to operate
against a neighbour and will never do so. However, it is only natural that
sometimes matters can rise between neighbours since they share a common
border. But based on the concept of making big issues become smaller and
smaller issues to be completely resolved, Myanmar has always approached
such issues in the spirit of friendship, goodwill, understanding and
mutual respect. For example, in recent months opposition groups and people
holding negative views have tried to destroy the existing friendship
between Myanmar and Thailand and drive a wedge between them by using the
media to exaggerate the situation at the border.
Keeping foremost in mind its national sovereignty and national interests,
the Government took required measures within its policy framework and did
what was necessary. Subsequently, the matters between Myanmar and Thailand
were resolved through friendship, understanding and cooperation. Thus the
attempts to drive a wedge between the two countries failed and I am happy
to inform you that the situation is now returning to normal. The
understanding reached and the resolution of the issues involved is also
due to the sincere efforts undertaken during the recent goodwill visit of
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Myanmar.
As the Government is
meeting as much as possible the needs and requirements of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and the Myanmar Missions abroad, it is incumbent upon the
foreign service personnel to serve the country with complete faith and
loyalty. They must also have the correct outlook, attitude and thinking.
It is also vital for them to be imbued with the sense of patriotism, of
love for one's country and of loyalty to the nation and its people. It is
most gratifying to note that these matters will also be taught and
discussed during the course.
Since the course is being attended not only by the personnel from the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs but also by officials from other Ministries as
well, some of the subjects taught may or may not have direct bearing for
some trainees. Even if the subjects do not relate directly to the work of
some trainees, they will surely benefit from it, even if it is in an
indirect way. This is because Myanmar is not only expanding it
international activities but also trying to enter into the mainstream of
the international community so as not to be left behind in these times of
globalization. I would therefore like to urge all the trainees to study
diligently the state of international relations, the significance of
various world events, the changing nature of diplomacy as well as other
foreign affairs related issues.
In closing, allow me to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to
Minister U Win Aung and responsible officials of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs for arranging this course as well as the professors and teachers
who have made such a comprehensive curriculum possible. May I also convey
my sincere best wishes:
- for the full realization of the objectives of the course;
- for the
enhancement of diplomatic skills of all the trainees;
- for all
the personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to become true sons and
daughters of the country who steadfastly uphold the interests of
the nation and its people; and
- for all
government officials to become true public servants who are always
patriotic, faithful and loyal to the nation.
Thank you.