On this auspicious occasion of Myanmar New Year, making the transition to the year 1387 of the Myanmar Era, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all global people including entire ethnic national people who inhabit the Republic of the Union of Myanmar be free from potential harms and dangers and may they all enjoy physical and mental well-being.
Our country bitterly suffered two dreadful calamities in the old year. Last September, Typhoon Yagi severely struck several towns and villages, bringing heavy rains and flash floods. Moreover, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake jolted the country on 28 March this year. As the powerful earthquake caused numerous loss and damage including deaths and injuries, the earthquake-affected areas required extensive rescue and relief efforts. I have invited internal and external aid and I met with State leaders while attending the 6th BIMSTEC Summit hosted by Thailand and sought their aid for the earthquake. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to internal and external rescue squads which tirelessly carried emergency search and rescue operations in the earthquake affected areas and all internal and international well-wishers for their donations in providing necessary supplies, relief materials and cash for quake-affected people.
Our government has decided to carry out reconstruction and rehabilitation in the quake-affected areas as quickly as possible. We firmly believe all affected areas will return into normalcy soonest through concerted efforts of the people.
Our government is implementing the visions to strengthen a genuine, disciplined multiparty democratic system and build a Union based on democracy and federalism. Strenuous efforts are being made to hold a fully free and fair multi-party democratic general election in coming December in order to soonest initiate the multi-party democratic system the people aspire to. I would like to request if people wish to enjoy the multiparty democratic system really, they all have to cooperate with the government to hold the election successfully. Our government is striving to serve the interests of the State and all citizens.
We have decided to make utmost efforts in rehabilitation measures in the quake-affected areas such as reconstruction of government offices and department as well as residential houses and transport infrastructures. It is necessary to expedite vigorous efforts on agriculture and livestock based production which plays a key role in promotion of the State economy. Likewise, all businesspersons engaging in MSME businesses have to try hard to manufacture products as much as possible.
Moreover, education is crucial for development of a country. So, entire people have to emphasize creation of chances for all school-age children to learn education in coming academic year.
Peace and stability are pivotal roles in development of the nation. As such, efforts are being made to forge durable and genuine peace. Our government has offered all to resolve the political problems politically in order to cease current conflicts. I believe as all are national brethren, they will cooperate with the government through the Union spirit.
I extend my New Year greetings that we have faced various disasters, difficulties, and challenges in the past year, and we learned valuable lessons from these identified weaknesses. As we enter the New Year with fresh perspectives and renewed vision, let us all citizens of the nation work together and actively participate in the continued journey of initiating a multiparty democracy.
Thank you all.
