THE delegation led by Head of the Republic of Kalmykia Mr Batu Sergeyevich Khassikov of the Russian Federation, together with Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein and officials, paid homage to Shwedagon Pagoda yesterday morning.
The delegation visited religious edifices, the Buddhological Museum and Photo Gallery, viewed the historical data and pilgrimage guide at the pagoda and offered flowers, water, oil lights and joss sticks to the Buddha Image at the prayer hall.
They also visited the National Museum to view round the Thihathana throne, Yadanabon era exhibit, and royal accessories. They also toured significant venues in Yangon City such as the City Hall, the Ministers’ Office, Kandawgyi Lake and Karaweik Hall as well as the jewellery shops of the Myanmar Gems Museum. In the afternoon, the Head of the Republic of Kalmykia and the party paid homage to members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee led by Chairman Sayadaw Aggamaha Pandita Aggamaha Saddhammajotikadhaja Dr Bhaddanta Candima Bhivamsa at the hall on Kaba Aye Hill.
At the ceremony, the Chairman Sayadaw said that he had known the flourishing of culture, literature and fine arts of the Russian Federation. He is pleased with the cultural and social relations of Russia with Myanmar. He expressed his delightedness for better diplomatic relations between the two countries in the time of the State Administration Council. And, the Sayadaw said he was also pleased with the bilateral relations between the two countries to allow the building of Buddha Images and pagodas of Theravada Buddhism in Russia.
The Head of the Republic of Kalmykia supplicated that the Republic of Kalmykia is striving for the propagation of Buddhism. He invited the Chairman Sayadaw to attend the Buddhism Forum to be held in 2025. He expressed his belief that his republic will propagate Buddhism like Myanmar and he expects the cooperation of the SSMNC in propagation of the Buddhism.
The guests offered Dhamma gifts and alms to the Chairman Sayadaw who returned a picture of the Bagan Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone as a Dhamma gift.
Also present at the ceremony were Russian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Islander Azizov and officials from the Department of Religious Affairs.
In the evening, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein hosted a dinner in honour of the Head of the Republic of Kalmykia and the delegation. — MNA/ TTA
