( 1 ) President Mr Tran Duc Luong of Socialist Republic of Vietnam arrives on official visit

Yangon, 5 May - At the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong and a goodwill delegation arrived here this afternoon by special aircraft on an official visit to the Union of Myanmar.

The visiting President and members of the goodwill delegation were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Maj-Gen Soe Win of the Ministry of Defense, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Ambassador of Myanmar to Vietnam U Khin Aung, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham and heads of diplomatic missions, heads of UN agencies, Ambassador of Vietnam to Myanmar Mr Pham Quang Khon and staff and their families of the Vietnamese Embassy.

Student girls also welcomed the visiting President and members of the goodwill delegation by waving the miniature flags of the two nations and chanting slogans "May the President of Vietnam be healthy" "May Senior General Than Shwe be healthy" and "May the ties of friendly relations between the two nations be strong."

The special aircraft conveying the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong and members of the goodwill delegation arrived at the airport at 3.30 pm. Director-General Thura U Aung Htet and Vietnamese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Pham Quang Khon boarded the aircraft and welcomed the guests.

The visiting President was accorded a 21-gun salute. The student girls and the employees and families of the Vietnamese Embassy welcomed the visiting President and members of the SRV delegation by waving the miniature flags of the two nations and chanting slogans.

Hung at the archway of the entrance to VIP Terminal Building of Yangon International Airport were pictures of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong.

A Myanmar lady presented a bouquet to the visiting President.

The visiting President was then greeted by Senior General Than Shwe.

Senior General Than Shwe presented his entourage to the visiting President.

Senior General Than Shwe and entourage and the visiting President and members of the delegation went to the Reception Hall of the airport.

Senior General Than Shwe and visiting President Mr Tran Duc Luong proceeded to the saluting dais and took the salute of the Guard of Honor while the State Band played the national anthems of the two nations.

The Senior General and the visiting President then inspected the Guard of Honor.

The visiting President introduced the Senior General to the members of the SRV delegation.

The visiting President and the Senior General cordially greeted Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Mr Ly Bounkham and ambassadors, charge d'affaires and resident representatives and heads of UN agencies, and the staff and families of the Vietnamese Embassy.

The guests, accompanied by the Senior General, proceeded to Seinle Kantha State House in a motorcade.

Along the entrance road to the airport and University Avenue up to the entrance to Seinle Kantha State House, teachers, students, nurses and people exceeding 10,000 greeted them by chanting slogans "May the Vietnamese President be healthy," "May Senior General Than Shwe be healthy," and "May the ties of Myanmar-Vietnamese friendship be strong."

In extending the grand welcome to the visiting President and members of the goodwill delegation, an archway was put up at the entrance to Yangon International Airport bearing the words both in Myanmar and English "We warmly welcome His Excellency President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong." Similar archways and signboards were posted at the entrance to the airport, at the corner of Pyay Road and Inyalay, at the corner of Pyay Road and Inya Road and in front of People's Square. Flags of the two nations were put up at Yangon International Airport, along the entrance road to the airport, on the bund of Inya Lake along Pyay Road, at the junction of Kamayut, at the roundabouts of Hanthawady and U Wisara and in front of People's Square.

The guests, together with Senior General Than Shwe, arrived at Seinle Kantha State House at 4 pm.

Afterwards, the Senior General greeted the visiting President and left there at 4.10 pm.

The visiting Vietnamese President was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Nguyen Dy Nien, Head of the President's Office Mr Nguyen Canh Dinh, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr Le Huy Ngo, Deputy Minister of Defense Lt-Gen Nguyen Hui Heiu, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Mr Nguyen Xuan Thao, Deputy Minister of Trade Mr Phan The Rue, Assistant to the President Mr Nguyen Van Thanh and other high-ranking officials totaling over 70.

Senior General Than Shwe hosts banquet in honour of SRV President Mr Tran Duc Luong

Yangon, 5 May - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe hosted a banquet in honour of President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong and members of the goodwill delegation at the Reception Hall of the Pyithu Hluttaw on Pyay Road at 7 pm today.

The banquet was also attended by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, members of the State Peace and Development Council, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, the chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon Mayor, the Secretary of Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission, the Secretary of the National Convention Convening Commission, deputy ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defense, Myanmar Ambassador to Vietnam U Khin Aung, the Ambassador of Vietnam to Myanmar, the military attaché and embassy staff, the directors-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the Pyithu Hluttaw Office, the President's Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and officials, national entrepreneurs, ambassadors, Charges d' Affaires ai of embassies, resident representatives of UN agencies, officials and special guests.

The State band played the national anthems of the two nations.

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong proposed a toast to those present at the banquet.

Before and during the dinner, vocalists presented songs to the accompaniment of the Myanma Athan music troupe.

After the dinner, artistes of the Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture entertained the guests with a variety of dance at the Thabin Hall.

After the show, visiting President Mr Tran Duc Luong presented a basket of flowers to the artistes.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 calls on President of Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Yangon, 5 May - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt called on visiting President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong at Seinle Kantha State House here at 5 pm today.

Also present at the call were Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Nguyen Dy Nein, Head of the President's Office Mr Nguyen Canh Dinh, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr Le Huy Ngo, Ambassador of Vietnam to Myanmar Mr Pham Quang Khon and senior officers, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Ambassador of Myanmar to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam U Khin Aung and Director-General of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Secretary-1 receives members of Independent Study Group

Yangon, 5 May - The Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received members of the Independent Study Group (ISG) Mr Gerald Moore and Ex-Ambassador of Germany to Myanmar Dr Walter Von Marschall and Mr Jean F Freymond at Zeyathiri Beikman in Konmyinttha here this morning.

( 3 ) Ambassador U Sein Win Aung accredited to Mongolia

Yangon, 6 May - The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Sein Win Aung, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the People's Republic of China, concurrently as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to Mongolia.

( 4 ) Fourth meeting of joint commission on bilateral cooperation between Myanmar and       Vietnam held

Yangon, 5 May - The fourth meeting of the joint commission on bilateral cooperation between the Union of Myanmar and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was held at Sedona Hotel this morning.

Present were members of Myanmar delegation led by Chairman of the joint commission Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and members of Vietnamese delegation led by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr Le Hyu Ngo of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The members of two delegations led by Minister U Win Aung and Minister Mr Le Hyu Ngo discussed matters relating to agriculture, forestry, culture and information, education, energy, gems, health, home affairs, investment, industry, communication, sports, trade, tourism and transport. The meeting of the joint commission was held in a friendly manner reflecting goodwill relations, close cooperation and mutual understanding between the two countries. The meeting came to a close in the morning and approved the minutes.

Before the fourth meeting of the joint commission senior officials' meeting between the two countries was held yesterday. The two sides agreed that the fifth meeting of the joint commission would be held in Vietnam in May 2003. Myanmar-Vietnam Joint Cooperation Commission was formed during the goodwill visit of the Prime Minister of Vietnam to Myanmar in 1994. The Joint Commission held its meeting three times.

The first and second meetings were held in Hanoi and the third in Yangon. Myanmar-Vietnam Joint Cooperation Commission was formed in order to raise the momentum of cooperation in various sectors between the two countries.

Novitiation, ordination ceremony held

Yangon, 5 May - Under the patronage of presiding Sayadaw of Tiger Parahita Training School for Development of National Races Sayadaw Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Pandita, the ninth novitiation and ordination ceremony was held at Wayzayanta Hall of the school on Kamayut Station Road in Hline Township here this morning.

Also present on the occasion were Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt and wife Daw Kyin Khine, Deputy Minister U Kyaw Tin, directors-general, officials from the ministry and their wives, wellwishers U Zeya Thura Mon and wife Daw Khine Khine Myint of Gunkul Engineering and Air Conditioners Co Ltd and family and invited guests.

Member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Presiding Sayadaw of Zeya Mingala monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Tiloka administered the Five Precepts to the congregation and members of the Sangha recited parittas. Then, Minister Col Thein Nyunt and wife Daw Kyin Khine, Deputy Minister U Kyaw Tin and officials presented offertories to Sayadaws.

With K 800,000 donated by U Zeya Thura Mon and wife Daw Khine Khine Myint and donations made by wellwishers, 31 men and 101 boys from the school were ordained and novitiated. Then, soon was offered to the members of the Sangha.

Seminar on National Education Promotion in Basic Education Sector (Upper Myanmar) held

Yangon, 5 May - Seminar on National Education Promotion in Basic Education Sector (Upper Myanmar) was held at the temporary convocation hall of Mandalay University this morning.

Minister for Education U Than Aung made a speech on the occasion. Also present were Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, directors-general and chairmen of departments and boards under the ministry, rectors, state/division/township education officers under No 2 Basic Education Department, pro-rectors of Sagaing Institute of Education and University for Development of National Races and educational representatives totaling about 1,700.

In his speech the minister spoke of the need of the implementation of plans in each financial year in accordance with the 30-year long-term education plan. The conference continues up to 7 May.

56th anniversary Fire Services Day Parade held

Yangon, 5 May - The 56th Anniversary Fire Services Day Parade was held at Nawaday sports ground in Mayangon Township this morning.

It was attended by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, directors-general and officials of departments under the ministry, the director-general of Population Department of the Ministry of Immigration and Population, the director-general of Fire Services Department, officials, guests and members of Fire Brigade. The members of Fire Brigade led by parade commander Head of Yangon Division Fire Services Department U Mya Thein took position in the parade ground. Next, the minister inspected the members of Fire Brigade.

He then delivered a speech. Later the members of Fire Brigade demonstrated fire-fighting skills. Fire Services Day prize presentation ceremony was held at Thida Hall of the head office of Fire Services Department this morning. The director-general of Fire Services Department presented certificates of honour to the well-wishers.

Later, he presented certificates of honour and cash to outstanding performance award winners. Deputy director-general of Fire Services Department presented prizes to township Fire Stations for their outstanding performance and prize wining members of Fire Brigade.

New cold storage opens

Yangon, 5 May - Under the leadership of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Cold Storage Factory run on a mutually beneficial basis by Linthitsar Trading Co Ltd and Pyittainghtaung (Dagon) Co Ltd was opened at Pyittainghtaung Cold Storage Factory at economic development zone in Dagon Myothit (North) Township this morning, attended by Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein.

It was also attended by Minister for Coorperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein, departmental officials and invited guests. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein formally opened the signboard of the cold storage factory. Then, Managing-Director of Linthitsar Trading Co Ltd U Zaw Lin and Managing Director of Pyittaing-htaung Dagon Co Ltd U Tin Maw Thein opened the factory by cutting the ribbons.

Afterwards, to mark the opening ceremony of the factory, managing directors and officials of that two companies presented K 100,000 each to Dagon Myothit (North) Union Solidarity and Development Association, township Maternal and Child Welfare Association and No (14) Basic Education Middle School in Ward 34.

( 5 ) Commander visits tax-free markets

Yangon, 5 May - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe this morning visited tax-free markets in Yangon and inspected the sale of goods. First, the commander arrived at Hanthawady tax-free market at the corner of Hanthawady and Kyundaw Streets in Kamayut Township.

The commander and party were welcomed there by Commandant of No 3 Military Region Command Col Yan Naing Oo, Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and officials. The commander and party inspected vegetable shops of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Energy, Yangon City Development Committee, battalions and units under Yangon Command, departments and growers, milk shop of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, meat and egg shops of YCDC and Yangon Command, sea fish shops of companies, edible oil shop of the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited and rice shops of the Yangon Division Peace and Development Council and the Myanmar Rice Dealers Association.

The commander fulfilled the requirements and gave instructions to the officials. Later, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and party arrived at Tamway tax-free market on Kyaikkasan Road in Tamway Township, where they were welcomed by Yangon East District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Pyi and officials. The commander and party inspected vegetable shops of ministries, departments and growers, fish and meat shops of UMEHL, companies and entrepreneurs, edible shops of UMEHL and rice shops of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council and Myanmar Rice Dealers Association. Afterwards, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and party arrived at Yankin tax-free market on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road near the office of the Ministry of Industry-2 where they were welcomed by Commandant of No 2 Military Region Command Col Tin Oo Lwin and officials.

The commander and party inspected vegetable shops, fish, meat and egg shops of entrepreneurs, edible oil shops of UMEHL and rice shops. Next, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and party arrived at Nawaday tax-free market on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, where they were welcomed by Commandant of No 1 Military Region Command Col Khin Maung Soe and officials. The commander and party inspected vegetable shops, fish, meat and egg shops of entrepreneurs, edible oil shops of UMEHL and rice shops and gave instructions to the officials. Later, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and party arrived at Konmyintha tax-free market and inspected vegetable shops, fish, meat and egg shops of entrepreneurs, edible oil shops of UMEHL and rice shops and gave instructions to the officials.

Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and party arrived at the tax-free market on Pantaya Street in Dagon Township and inspected vegetable shops, fish, meat and egg shops of entrepreneurs, edible oil shops and rice shops and gave instructions to the officials.

Commander inspects regional development in Kachin State

Yangon, 5 May - The Agricultural Techniques Development Course sponsored by Myitta-Phun-Phyo-Yay Foundation was held in conjunction with field demonstration at the foundation in Ahlan Village, Myitkyina Township, on 30 April morning.

It was attended by Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen San Tun and senior military officers, Secretary of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myint Thein and departmental officials, Patron of the foundation Dr Sabwe Jwan, and officials, trainees, local people and others. The commander and those present viewed the demonstration on choice of quality strain paddy, terrace farming techniques and developing of natural fertilizer. Officials reported on plantations of paddy, banana, herbs, groundnut and vegetables to the commander who gave necessary instructions.

Afterwards, the Agricultural Techniques Development Course was held at the training centre with an address by Patron Dr Sabwe Jwan. Then, Course Instructor U Gan Sha Aung explained the salient points of the course. Next, the patron presented a traditional gift to the commander who gave instructions. Project in-charge of the foundation Saw Hsaing Yaw spoke words of thanks which brought the ceremony to a close. Then, the commander inspected breeding of quality strain goats, pigs and poultry at the training centre. On 1 May morning, the commander together with Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung and departmental officials, attended the work coordination meeting on regional development for Kachin State Special Region- 2 held at Malikha Yeiktha of the Northern Command.

The deputy minister reported on work being carried out for regional development in Waingmaw Township and agriculture and livestock breeding tasks while Myitkyina District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Hla Thaung and officials reported on land reclamation in the region. In response to the reports, the commander fulfilled the requirements. After the meeting, the deputy minister and party inspected work being carried out for regional development and held discussions on the findings on 3 May.

                                             ( 6 ) Myanmar disabled sports team arrives back

Yangon, 5 May - Myanmar disabled sports team led by Vice-President of Myanmar Sports Federation for the Disabled U Thein Shwe Myint arrived back here by air this afternoon after taking part in Sports Competition for the Disabled of ASEAN Cities held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 1 to 5 May.

President of Myanmar Sports Federation for the Disabled, Director of Resettlements of the Ministry of Defense Brig-Gen Aung Thein and officials welcomed the victorious Myanmar Sports Team at Yangon International Airport. Four athletes of Myanmar Sports Team won a total of 9 medals 2 gold, 6 silver and 1 bronze.