Defence Services Deputy C-in-C delivers speech at 5th Founding Anniversary of MCG

 

DEFENCE Services Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Kyaw Swa Lin delivered a speech at the ceremony to mark the fifth founding anniversary of the Myanmar Coast Guard at its headquarters in Thanlyin Station yesterday morning.

The ceremony was also attended by senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of the Yangon Command, the director-general of Myanmar Coast Guard, commanders of naval commands, officers and other ranks from Tatmadaw (Navy) and Myanmar Coast Guard and guests.

At the opening of the Recreation Centre to mark the anniversary of MCG, an official reported on the construction of the building.

The General pressed the button to unveil the Recreation Centre and sprinkled scented water on the plaque.

Speaking on the occasion, the General said that the Head of State formed the Myanmar Coast Guard in 2021 with farsightedness. It aims to manage maritime security and law enforcement activities in the area extending from Myanmar’s internal waters along its coastline to the exclusive economic zone, protect national maritime interests, conduct maritime search and rescue operations, combat transnational crimes at sea, exchange information, strengthen diplomatic relations through cooperation and coordination with international coast guard forces, and provide support to the Tatmadaw (Navy) during wartime.

It was established with the vision of developing into a competent coast guard force capable of protecting and safeguarding, both at sea and in the air, the nation’s maritime interests, marine environmental safety and security, and the rule of law across the area extending from the mainland coastline to the exclusive economic zone. Myanmar’s maritime domain is not only a vital lifeline for the country’s national trade, but also serves as a geopolitical bridge connecting the Indo-Pacific region and the Indian Ocean with SouthEast Asia and South Asia, as well as with China and India, the world’s two most populous countries.

At present, Myanmar is building a Union based on democracy and federalism under the leadership of a new government elected by the people through democratic means. The Government is prioritizing efforts to enhance strategic economic cooperation with partner countries, and such cooperation encompasses a wide range of maritime sectors and blue economy activities.

It should also be recognized that maritime affairs are closely interconnected with a wide range of international, legal, and technical standards, disaster management and humanitarian issues. By effectively utilizing the country’s maritime potential, it will be possible to promote economic development while enhancing the country’s positive image in the maritime sector.

In carrying out the duties of the force, it is required to protect and safeguard the country’s maritime interests and uphold the rule of law at sea, as well as perform duties related to maritime security and safety. These responsibilities constitute the capabilities and mandates assigned to the force since its establishment.

It is necessary to work in coordination with the Tatmadaw (Navy) and maritime police force to protect fishermen and seafarers in Myanmar’s waters; conduct maritime search and rescue and provide humanitarian assistance; prevent and combat illegal smuggling and smuggled goods; prevent piracy; combat human trafficking, drug trafficking and arms and ammunition smuggling; and carry out Choke Point Control to safeguard the country’s strategic maritime control points, as well as perform diplomatic duties. Officers and other ranks of the Myanmar Coast Guard are being sent to domestic and overseas training courses to equip them with the practical skills and expertise required to effectively perform their duties in these areas. Therefore, MCG members must strive to develop the high level of capabilities expected of Coast Guard personnel, proficiency in internationally used languages, and expertise in maritime law. The State is also providing the Myanmar Coast Guard with offshore patrol vessels, fast patrol boats and small boats.

In order to effectively protect and safeguard Myanmar’s maritime interests, the State enacted the Myanmar Coast Guard Law on 17 July 2025 to enable the Coast Guard Force to firmly perform its duties in accordance with the law. Force members must, in accordance with the Myanmar Coast Guard Law, steadfastly and conscientiously protect and safeguard Myanmar’s maritime interests, blue economy activities, and marine ecosystems and resources.

Only by carrying out these measures can the force fulfil its operational responsibility of ensuring “Good Order at Sea”. Furthermore, it will be able to implement the international maritime laws, conventions and related protocols to which the State is a signatory, which are important for the exercise of the jurisdiction of coastal States, and thereby fully discharge its responsibility of ensuring “Good Governance at Sea”, namely, the rule of good and just law at sea.

Members of the guard are urged to seriously implement the objectives of the Myanmar Coast Guard and fully discharge their duties to protect and safeguard the maritime interests and marine resources of the State in building a Union based on democracy and a federal system. The General urged them to fully carry out the responsibilities assigned to them in the development, conservation and protection of the maritime infrastructure and blue economy initiatives being implemented by the State.

In discharging the duties of the Myanmar Coast Guard, members are urged to place strong emphasis on safeguarding the sovereignty of the State, upholding the rule of law, and maintaining its jurisdiction, while striving to enhance their capabilities and modernize and develop the force so that it can keep pace with international coast guard forces. They are also urged to strive to build Myanmar’s maritime domain into a safe and secure sea, a stable and peaceful sea, a clean sea, and a more productive sea, with the capability to prevent and counter any unconventional threats that may arise at any time and in any place along the country’s long coastline and extensive maritime boundaries.

The General and attendees watched a documentary video clip on the commemoration of the MCG and posed for documentary photos, and the General cordially greeted the attendees.

The General viewed the booths, shops and the rescue vessel displayed to mark the commemorative ceremony.

At the meeting hall of the MCG Headquarters, the General heard reports on the duties and functions of the MCG, its capabilities and the implementation of the missions presented by the director-general of the MCG. In his instructions, the General stressed that, as the Head of State established the Myanmar Coast Guard with the deep objective of enabling it to keep pace with international and regional counterparts, continued efforts should be made to further enhance its progress and success. MCG members need to have a thorough understanding of laws, orders and directives, as well as international relations. Training opportunities should also be created for members to enhance their capabilities. As the duties and responsibilities of the respective units differ, coordination and cooperation among the units should be strengthened.

The General and party inspected the progress of agriculture and livestock activities in the headquarters of the MCG to ensure the welfare of families.

100/TTA

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