PRESIDENT-ELECT and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing expressed appreciation and presented honorary gifts to the Union Ministers and senior Tatmadaw officers who served for the State, and officials who dutifully performed in rehabilitation processes after natural disasters, including the Mocha storm.
He delivered a speech at the ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Office of the National Defence and Security Council Chairman yesterday.
In his speech, the Senior General stated that Tatmadaw, under his leadership, had assumed responsibility for the State in accordance with the Constitution after the declaration of a state of emergency due to electoral irregularities in the 2020 general election, and has been carrying out State responsibilities from 1 February 2021 up to the present. Since taking office, numerous difficulties and challenges have been encountered, but these have been overcome through the collective efforts of the commission members, government officials, Tatmadaw personnel, and the people.
At the beginning of the tenure, the country was facing a severe outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through joint efforts of Tatmadaw personnel and healthcare workers in prevention and treatment measures, the pandemic was overcome with minimal loss. He also expressed recognition and appreciation for those who organized and participated in these efforts.
Similarly, the extremely powerful Cyclone Mocha struck Rakhine State, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to offices, residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and religious buildings on 14 May 2023.
He mentioned his instant visit to Rakhine State after the storm to encourage the storm victims and conduct rehabilitation activities with strong momentum by forming the National Disaster Management Committee. Tatmadaw members and the government cooperated to conduct rescue works and rehabilitation processes, and Tatmadaw force was mainly applied in clearing debris and restoring the affected areas to conditions better than before.
He also highlighted the cooperation among the government, departments and Tatmadaw members, as such effective rehabilitation activities were conducted in a short period, the transportation processes of relief items, construction materials and food, including the donated items, with the Tatmadaw aircraft and vessels utilized promptly.
He then talked about the main reason for the event, to express gratitude and present honorary gifts to senior Tatmadaw officers who served duties eagerly during the Mocha storm and rehabilitation processes, sacrificing their lives.
He continued that on 11 September 2024, Super Typhoon Yagi, originating from the South China Sea, caused the heaviest rainfall in 70 years across Nay Pyi Taw, Kayin State, Kayah State, Shan State, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, and Mon State, resulting in severe flooding. During this disaster, Tatmadaw cooperated with the government and the people in rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Similarly, the powerful Mandalay earthquake on 28 March 2025 caused significant damage in Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, and Sagaing, and also in other regions. Tatmadaw members actively participated in rescue, clearance, and rehabilitation work. He expressed gratitude to all senior Tatmadaw officers, other ranks and members who ensured swift and effective participation in disaster response, including Cyclone Mocha and other natural disasters.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Union Minister for Industry for improving industrial businesses and MSMEs, the backbone of the State economy, during the five years.
The Senior General urged Tatmadaw to serve for the interest of people in times of the country’s need, uphold the mindset “the people are the mother, the people are the father” and serve public service activities in different sectors.
President-elect and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing presented gifts of honour to commission members General Maung Maung Aye, Lt-Gen Phone Myat, Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, General Kyaw Swa Lin, Union Minister for Industry Dr Charlie Than and senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and retired Tatmadaw senior officers.
After the ceremony, the Senior General cordially greeted the attendees. — MNA/KTZH
