“We are out of politics, country stable”, Myanmar Army chief bluffed shamelessly

We are out of politics, country stable: Army chief

Eleven Media Yangon September 23, 2013 1:00 am

Relations between Thailand and Myanmar are at their most cordial in the history of ties between the two countries, says Min Aung Hlaing, the commander-in-chief of the Defence Services of Myanmar. (Bangkok Post picture)

The military has reduced its role in running the country and this has helped Myanmar achieve political stability in its transition to a more democratic system, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing told Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during their meeting in Bangkok last week.

“I guarantee my country’s political stability and urge Thai businessmen to do business in Myanmar,” the senior general was quoted as saying. The civilian role was more important for the development of the country, he added.

Myanmar has moved towards a democratic system since late 2011. The Tatmadaw, or country’s armed forces, has been working with the new government in the reform process.

Speaking in a recent interview on Myanmar Radio and Television, the senior general insisted that the trend was irreversible.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing led a delegation from Myanmar to Thailand to attend the first committee meeting of senior military officials between the two countries.

The Thai Prime Minister agreed to encouragement by the top general to finalise remaining tasks to demarcate the boundary between the two countries.

President Thein Sein accepted the importance of Dawei deep-sea port, a joint venture with Thailand. Success of the project will depend on the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, the general said.

The Thai PM said that both states need to work closely on the project, as it is a huge development.

She also highlighted increased efforts for commercial agricultural businesses and development at border areas.

Min Aung Hlaing said cooperation was also needed to solve the problem of illegal Myanmar workers in Thailand.

He also discussed various issues with his Thai counterparts including border security, illicit drugs and illegal migrant workers.

Tags: Bangkok, Burma, Dawei, Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar, Tatmadaw, Thailand, Thein Sein