17 February

Union Minister for Ethnic Affairs Nai Thet Lwin held a meeting with representatives of ethnic literature and culture groups from Shan State (North) and Rakhine State at the assembly hall of the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs in Nay Pyi Taw on the morning of 15 February.

At the meeting, the Union Minister said the world is becoming a global village and as technology develops, all information from countries throughout the world become known daily. With such developments, it is important to have knowledge and skills, as well as peace. There will be rule of law only when there is peace. And regional development matters, such as education, health and transport, can be conducted only with the rule of law. Youth must not have selfish minds, but instead have the willingness to work together for the benefit of all. Only when they have education and knowledge can they develop their region, state and country. While visiting States and Regions, widespread deforestation and damage to natural environment were observed. All need to preserve and maintain their natural environment. Ethnic Affairs branch offices of the Ethnic Affairs Ministry hav been opened in states and regions, and the requirements of ethnic nationals can be submitted to those branch offices. Matters can be handled at state and region levels, and even if the ministry itself is unable to handle a matter, it will be submitted to the Union Government, said the Union Minister. Further, Department of Ethnic Literature and Culture Deputy Director General U Win Naing explained about the first visit of ethnic literature and culture groups. Afterwards, joint secretary of Shan literature and culture committee and chairman of Khami literature and culture groups delivered his thanks. Union Minister, Director General, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Deputy Director General and officials took commemorative group photos with representatives of ethnic literature and culture groups from Shan State (North) and Rakhine State, and hosted a luncheon for the visitors. Later in the afternoon, visitors toured Buddha Gaya, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda and Uppatasanti Pagoda.—MNA (Translated by Zaw Min)