28 February

A ceremony to donate 20 Sinotruck Howo cars by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to Rakhine State for Repatriation and Resettlement of displaced people was held yesterday at National Reconciliation and Peace Centre (NRPC).

 During the event, Chinese Ambassador Mr. Hong Liang said the People’s Republic of China is supporting Myanmar’s efforts for peace and stability in Rakhine State. He made a wish for peace, stability and social economic development in Rakhine State with the efforts led by Myanmar government.

Afterwards, Union Minister and Chairman of the Committee on Repatriation and Resettlement of Displaced People Dr. Win Myat Aye said Myanmar is ready for repatriation in accord with the Myanmar-Bangladesh bilateral agreement. Though Ministry of Defence has arranged vehicles for transportation of the displaced people in two reception centres and one transit centre, more vehicles were needed, and expressed thanks to PRC for the 20-vehicle donation.

 The Union Minister then expressed his thanks to PRC for continued cooperation on the repatriation processes.

 The Union Minister then accepted the documents related to vehicles handed over by Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr. Hong Liang, and presented in return certificate of honor to the Chinese Ambassador.

 The Union Minister then re-handed over the vehicle-related documents to the Rakhine State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu.

 The Union Minister, Chinese Ambassador and party then observed the donated vehicles, and have a commemorative photo taken.

 In the morning, the Union Minister met with People’s Republic of China’s Special Envoy for Asian Affairs Mr. Sun Guoxiang at his ministry.

 During the meeting, they discussed matters related to preparation at two reception camps and one transit camp for repatriation of displaced people, resettlement after repatriation, housing construction, vocational schools and rehabilitation works, and Myanmar side’s preparedness for education, health and social services accesses.

 They also discussed the Special Envoy’s coming visit to Bangladesh and United Nations Headquarters to discuss the current development of Rakhine State.— MNA 

(Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun)