Naypyidaw: Min Aung Hlaing is accelerating efforts to restore relations between Myanmar and ASEAN. Myanmar's new president, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, stated today that the new government faces several challenges that must be overcome and will focus on enhancing the country's standing on the international stage, including normalizing relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), after being isolated for the past five years.
According to Thai News Agency, during his swearing-in speech, the former commander-in-chief, who led the 2021 coup, stated that the government would strive to boost foreign investment and accelerate domestic business growth as part of an effective long-term strategic plan for Myanmar.
Myanmar's leader told a parliament composed of members from parties supported by the military and those appointed by the military that Myanmar is now on the path to democracy, but the new government still faces many obstacles. He pledged to accelerate the implementation of a plan based on democracy and a federal system, reaffirming that the government's top priority is building democracy and peace.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing's speech lasted less than 20 minutes and lacked detail on a clear action plan, particularly regarding steps to extricate Myanmar from isolation or a strategy to resolve the escalating conflict in the country. The Myanmar military is accused of widespread violence against civilians, allegations it has consistently denied.
Today's ceremony included the swearing-in of the new cabinet, which comprises ministers who continued their positions during the military government era and retired military officers.
President Min Aung Hlaing, 69, who was recently elected to parliament last week, affirmed that Myanmar will strengthen its international relations and is committed to restoring normalcy to relations with ASEAN. The ceremony was attended by more than 50 foreign representatives, including Russia, China, and Thailand, among the few countries that still maintain relations with Myanmar's military junta.
Furthermore, the Myanmar leader stated that in order to promote peace and reconciliation within the nation, the government would consider measures for "amnesty as appropriate," but did not provide further details on whether it would cover the thousands of political prisoners who remain incarcerated, particularly the 80-year-old Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the ousted civilian government who is currently still under military custody.