Government Pledges Every Effort to Achieve Lasting Peace

 

President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing received a delegation led by Cardinal Charles Bo, Chair of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar, at the Presidential Palace Reception Hall yesterday morning.

First and foremost, the conference chair extended greetings. He expressed his appreciation for the President’s steadfast efforts in carrying out the State’s heavy responsibilities despite numerous difficulties and challenges. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar was established to help Catholics in Myanmar freely practise their faith and carry out religious activities.

He also expressed sincere gratitude, on behalf of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar and all Catholics in the country, for the President’s approval to construct a Catholic church on a two-acre plot of land in Dekkhinathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, enabling Catholics to gather for worship and prayer. He concluded by extending his prayers and best wishes for the President and all the people of Myanmar to enjoy physical well-being, peace of mind, and prosperity.

In response, the President said that in Myanmar, all people are guaranteed the freedom to practise the religion of their choice. He noted that he had visited religious institutions of various faiths to make donations and observe their activities. He pointed out that places of worship for all religions should possess an appropriate level of dignity and grandeur. The President further stated that a review of the country’s history showed that land had long been allocated to enable different religious communities to carry out their missionary and religious activities. As Nay Pyi Taw is the nation’s capital, land has also been allocated for the construction of appropriate places of worship and religious buildings for followers of different faiths. He emphasized that he does not discriminate among religions and encourages all religions to promote peace and prosperity through their respective faiths.

The President said that Myanmar is currently advancing along the path of a multiparty democratic system, and that the practice of democracy must be disciplined and orderly. He stressed that peace and stability are essential in both religious and political spheres. Regarding the peace process, he noted that he has already extended invitations for dialogue and will continue to pursue every possible means to achieve lasting peace in the country. The President stated that he firmly believes that problems can only be successfully resolved within a society where people live together through dialogue and consultation based on the democratic means of finding solutions.

He further said that political problems, or political demands, must be resolved through political means alone, and cannot be achieved through armed violence or terrorism. Concerning religion, he said that every faith offers sound moral teachings. Therefore, he appealed to religious leaders to help foster a more civilized mindset and spirit among the people, and to contribute, through their respective religions, to bringing about peace and prosperity for the nation.

The President enquired about the bishops’ needs and requirements and pledged the necessary support. Following the meeting, the President and the Chairman of the Conference exchanged commemorative gifts and posed for documentary photographs with the attendees.

Also present at the meeting were Union Minister at the President’s Office U Khin Maung Yi, Union Minister for Religious Affairs U Tin Oo Lwin, General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Yangon, Bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye and Catholic bishops from Kengtung, Mawlamyine, Pathein, Pyay and Myitkyina.

MNA/TTA

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