( 1 )  LPDR Prime Minister Mr Boungnang Vorachith and Madame Khammeung Vorachith and delegation conclude goodwill visit to Myanmar

Yangon, 22 Aug- The goodwill delegation led by Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Boungnang Vorachith and Madame Khammeung Vorachith left here for home by special flight this morning at the conclusion of their goodwill visit.

The Laotian Prime Minister and goodwill delegation arrived here on 19 August at the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing. Before their departure, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing called on Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Boungnang Vorachith and Madame Khammeung Vorachith at Seinle Kantha State House at 11 am.

The Senior General and wife presented a souvenir and a documentary photo album and a video tape of the goodwill visit to Prime Minister Mr Boungnang Vorachith and Madame Khammeung Vorachith. Together with Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Prime Minister Mr Boungnang Vorachith and Madame Khammeung Vorachith left the Seinle Kantha State House for Yangon International Airport in a motorcade. Along the University Avenue from Seinle Kantha State House and along the route to airport, teachers, students, nurses and the public totalling over 7,500 greeted the guests waving miniature flags of the two countries and wishing Prime Minister Mr Boungnang Vorachith and Madame Khammeung Vorachith and Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing good health and hailing Myanmar-Lao friendship.

Prime Minister Mr Boungnang Vorachith and Madame Khammeung Vorachith and Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing arrived at Yangon International Airport at 11.30 am. At the airport, Prime Minister Mr Boungnang Vorachith and Madame Khammeung Vorachith bade farewell to Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council General Maung Aye and wife, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife, Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Myint and wife, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen Tin Hla and wife, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of the Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and wife, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and wife, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Ambassador of Myanmar to Laos U Sein Win Aung and wife, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Ambassador of Laos to Myanmar Mr Ly Bounkham and wife, the Embassy staff and families.

Afterwards Prime Minister Mr Boungnang Vorachith and Madame Khammeung Vorachith bade farewell to Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing. School girls at the airport bade farewell to the guests waving miniature flags of the two countries and chanting best wishes for the well- being of Prime Minister Mr Boungnang Vorachith and Madame Khammeung Vorachith and Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing and for strengthening of friendship between Myanmar and Laos. The special aircraft carrying the Laotian goodwill de-legation took off at 11.45 am. Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party bade farewell to the guests from the VIP lounge.

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( 2 )  Prime Minister of Lao PDR and Madame Khammeung Vorachith and members of goodwill delegation visit Mandalay, PyinOoLwin

Yangon, 22 Aug- Visiting Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Boungnang Vorachith and Madame Khammeung Vorachith and members of the goodwill delegation at the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing, accompanied by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and wife Daw Khin Myo Oo, Myanmar Ambassador U Sein Win Aung and wife Daw Htwe Yi, Ambassador of Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham and wife Mrs Onekeo Bounkham and officials, left here for Mandalay by special flight of Myanma Airways on 21 August and arrived at Mandalay International Airport at 8.30 am.

The visiting Prime Minister and members of the goodwill delegation were welcomed at the airport by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint, Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein and wife, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win and wife, senior military officers and wives, members of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, executives of Division Union Solidarity and Development Association and officials. Two Myanmar children presented a bouquet to the visiting Prime Minister of Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Boungnang Vorachith and Madame Khammeung Vorachith.

The visiting Prime Minister of LPDR and party rested at the airport lounge for a while. The visiting Prime Minister of LPDR and party, accompanied by Tactical Operations Commander of Central Command Col Tun Kyi, left Mandalay International Airport by car for PyinOoLwin. They were welcomed at the entrance to PyinOoLwin by PyinOoLwin Station Commander Rector of Defence Services Academy Brig-Gen Ye Myint and officials and conducted round the DSA. On arrival at the National Kandawgyi Gardens, the visiting Prime Minister of LPDR and party were welcomed by Commandant of Administrative Training School Brig-Gen Hla Shwe, Chairman of PyinOoLwin District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Thaung Tin and members, Deputy Director-General of Forest Department U Shwe Kyaw and officials.

Deputy Director-General of Forest Department U Shwe Kyaw reported on location of the 90-year old National Kandawgyi Gardens, establishment of the gardens, its area, objectives, planting of trees, botanical research with audio-visual aids. The visiting Prime Minister of LPDR expressed thanks. Deputy Director-General U Shwe Kyaw presented gifts to the visiting Prime Minister of LPDR. The visiting Prime Minister of LPDR signed in the visitors' book of the National Kandawgyi Gardens. The visiting Prime Minister of LPDR and members of the goodwill delegation toured the National Kandawgyi Gardens.

The visiting Prime Minister of LPDR and members of the goodwill delegation went to Defence Services Technological Academy in PyinOoLwin where they were welcomed by Rector Brig-Gen Win Myint and officials. The Rector then extended greetings to them. Assistant Director (Literature) of DSTA Lt-Col Taik San reported on the history of DSTA, the objectives, facts about DSTA and organizational set-up. Head of Myanmar Language Department of DSA Lt-Col Min Naing reported on the objectives of the DSA, location and establishment, Literature Department, Training Department and Administration Department and qualifications prescribed to enter of the DSA. The visiting Prime Minister of LPDR signed in the visitor's book of DSTA. Rector of DSA Brig-Gen Ye Myint and Rector of DSTA Brig-Gen Win Myint presented gifts to the visiting Prime Minister of LPDR. The visiting Prime Minister of LPDR expressed thanks. Rector of DSTA Brig-Gen Win Myint hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting Prime Minister of LPDR and party.

The visiting Prime Minister of LPDR toured the DSTA. The visiting Prime Minister of LPDR and party went to Pwaytaung coffee research centre of Myanma Agriculture Service in PyinOoLwin Township where they were welcomed by Managing Director of Myanma Farms Enterprise U San Myint and officials. Managing Director U San Myint reported on functions of the centre. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on the coffee plantations in the environs of PyinOoLwin, coffee production and cultivation of medicinal mushroom with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin presented gifts to the visiting Prime Minister of LPDR.

The visiting Prime Minister of LPDR and party observed coffee plants and a showroom on coffee products. Madame Khammeung Vorachith, accompanied by Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint, wife of Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Daw Khin Myo Oo, wife of Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Daw Htwe Yi, wife of Myanmar Ambassador U Sein Win Aung, Mrs Onekeo Bounkham, wife of Ambassador of LPDR Mr Ly Bounkham and officials, went to Maha Muni Yokeshin-dawmyatgyi in Mandalay. They were welcomed by Chairman of Pagoda Board of Trustees Lt-Col Maung Pu and members. Madame Khammeung Vorachith, wife of Prime Minister of Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Boungnang Vorachith and members offered lights, flowers and incense to the Maha Muni Yokeshindawmyatgyi. Madame Khammeung Vorachith signed in the visitors' book and donated cash to the Pagoda Board of Trustees.

Prime Minister of Lao PDR and Madame Khammeung Vorachith Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint presented the photo of Maha Muni Yokeshindawmyatgyi to Madame Khammeung Vorachith. Madame Khammeung Vorachith and party visited the Maha Muni Yokeshindawmyatgyi. Madame Khammeung Vorachith and party visited the Hsutaungpyi Pagoda in Mandalay Hill. Madame Khammeung Vorachith donated cash to the pagoda and watched the dusk of Mandalay from the Mandalay Hill. Madame Khammeung Vorachith signed in the visitor's book posed for a souvenir photo together with the members of the delegations. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint hosted dinner in honour of Madame Khammeung Vorachith and members of the goodwill delegations at Nanmyo guest house. Myoma Music Troupe and cultural troupe of the Fine Arts Department in Mandalay entertained the guests during the dinner.

After the dinner the visiting Prime Minister of LPDR and Madame Khammeung Vorachith and Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint exchanged gifts. The visiting Prime Minister of LPDR and Madame Khammeung Vorachith presented a flower basket to artistes and posed for souvenir photo with them. This morning, the visiting Prime Minister of LPDR and Madame Khammeung Vorachith arrived at Mandalay International Airport. The visiting Prime Minister of LPDR and Madame Khammeung Vorachith were seen off at the airport by Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint, Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein and wife, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win and wife, senior military officers and wives, members of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, executives of Division Union Solidarity and Development Association and officials. The visiting Prime Minister of LPDR and Madame Khammeung Vorachith and members of the goodwill delegation arrived back here at 9 am.

( 3 ) Joint Communique Issued on the Occasion of the Visit of His Excellency Mr Boungnang Vorachith, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to the Union of Myanmar
(19-22-August 2001)

1. At the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic His Excellency Mr Boungnang Vorachith and Madame Khammeung Vorachith paid an official visit to the Union of Myanmar from 19 to 22 August 2001.

2. His Excellency Prime Minister Mr Boungnang Vorachith and party were accorded a warm welcome by the Government and people of Myanmar, reflecting the close ties of friendship and brotherly relations between the two countries.

3. During the visit, His Excellency Prime Minister Mr Boungnang Vorachith called on His Excellency Prime Minister Senior General Than Shwe on 19 August 2001 at the Pyithu Hluttaw in Yangon and had friendly discussions and fruitful exchange of views on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest. The discussions were held in an atmosphere of warm friendship, cordiality and mutual respect.

4. During the call, present on the Myanmar side were His Excellency General Maung Aye, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, His Excellency Lt- General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council, His Excellency Lt-General Win Myint, Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council, Lt General Tin Hla, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs, Major General Nyunt Tin, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs, U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and U Sein Win Aung, Myanmar Ambassador to the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

5. Present on the Lao side were His Excellency Mr Soulivong Dalavong, Minister of Industry and Handicrafts, His Excellency Dr Siene Saphangthong, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, His Excellency Dr Xinlavong Khoutphaythoun, Vice Minister of Prime Minister's Office, His Excellency Mr Phongsavath Boupha, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Mr Khamlouat Sitlakone, Vice Minister of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction and His Excellency Mr Ly Bounkham, Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to the Union of Myanmar.

6. The Prime Ministers reviewed with satisfaction the significant progress on bilateral relations between Myanmar and Laos and agreed that there exists a variety of opportunities for expanding co-operation in the economic, trade, cultural and technical fields. They expressed their determination to exert further efforts towards comprehensive mutual co-operation in all possible areas. They further tasked ministers to accelerate the implementation of the agreed cooperation projects and welcomed the upcoming 6th Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation that will be held in Vientiane. They also concurred on fostering the trade cooperation, and gave the mandate to the agencies concerned to intensify the implementation of the signed border trade protocol.

7. Senior General Than Shwe informed the Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic of the political, economic and social changes taking shape in the country and the achievements attained so far in establishing political stability and national reconciliation. He also reaffirmed Myanmar's independent and active foreign policy guided by the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence and maintaining friendly relations with all countries of the world with special emphasis on its neighbouring countries with firm commitment for closer cooperation with the members of the ASEAN family.

8. The Lao Prime Minister apprised Senior General Than Shwe the political, economic and social developments taking place in the Lao people's Democratic Republic. In particular, he informed his counterpart of the future directions that the Lao Government would undertake as follows: To implement the decisions recently adopted by the 7th Party Congress last March whose main objective is to rid the country from underdevelopment by the year 2020; to eradicate poverty by 2010 and strive to ensure political stability and social order across the country by 2005; to achieve a sustained economic growth no less than 7%, reduce the number of people living below the poverty line more than half, eradicate poppy cultivation totally and halt shifting cultivation in basic terms.

9. The Prime Ministers shared the view that a regional community, comprising all Southeast Asian countries under the ASEAN umbrella, will establish durable peace and security and elevate the well-being of the people of the region. To this end, the Prime Ministers pledged to closely work together with other ASEAN leaders for the attainment of the aims and objectives of the Hanoi Plan of Action as well as the ASEAN Vision 2020.

10. The Prime Ministers welcomed the launching of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) programme which aims to ensure the smooth integration of CLMV countries into the mainstream of ASEAN co-operation.

11. The Prime Ministers also welcomed the initiative to enhance anti-narcotic drugs co-operation between the Governments of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and noted with appreciaiton the successful conclusion of the Senior Officials Meeting among China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand on Drug Control Co-operation held recently in Yangon, Myanmar.

12. During their stay in Myanmar, His Excellency the Prime Minister and party visited various historical, cultural, religious, and other places of interest in Myanmar.

13. During the visit, separate discussions were also held between His Excellency Brig. General Ohn Myint, Minister for Mines and His Excellency Mr Soulivong Dalavong Minister of Industry and Handicrafts of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, between His Excellency U Aung Phone, Minister for Forestry and His Excellency Dr Siene Saphangthong Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and between His Excellency U Pe Than, Deputy Minister for Transport of the Union of Myanmar and His Excellency Mr Khamlouat Sitlakone, Vice Minister of Communications, Transport, Post and Construction.

14. The Prime Ministers expressed their satisfaction on the successful visit of Prime Minister Mr Bounnhang Vorachith as setting the firm base for enhancing the ongoing co-operative activities of the two countries for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

15. His Excellency Prime Minister Mr Bounnhang Vorachith and party expressed their profound thanks and appreciation to the Government and people of the Union of Myanmar for the warm welcome and cordial hospitality extended to them. His Excellency Prime Minieter Mr Bounnhang Vorachith cordially extended an invitation to His Excellency Seniior General Than Shwe to pay an official visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic at the earliest convenience. The invitation was accepted with pleasure.

( 4 ) Secretary-1 inspects construction of MICT Park, Bagan Cybertech Communication Building

Yangon, 22 Aug- Chairman of the Myanmar Computer Technology Development Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected the construction tasks of the Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Park (MICT Park) in Hline Township this afternoon and gave necessary instructions.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials from the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the construction site of the Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Park at 4.15 pm this afternoon where Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Education U Than Aung, deputy ministers, departmental heads, officials from the Myanmar Computer Federation, the Myanmar Computer Scientists Association, the Myanmar Computer Industry Association, and the Myanmar Information Communication Technology Development Co (MICTDC) welcomed him. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt heard the reports on progress of construction of the work, building of rooms, installation of power lines and communication lines, formation of production rooms, and future tasks by members of Myanmar Information Communication Technology Development Building project Managing Director U Aung Zaw Myint of Winner Computer Group and Managing Director U Pyone Maung Maung of CE Technology, formation of MICTDC, condition of membership, investment and job opportunities in production services and renting of rooms for companies from home and abroad in advance by member of Finance Committee Managing Director U Tin Win Aung of the Myanmar Computer Co Ltd (MCC).

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended to the needs and gave instructions on lying down of rules, regulations and procedures systematically, examining of extension of services, and discharging of duties for development of information and communication technology in unison.

Then, the Secretary-1 arrived at the construction site of the Bagan Cybertech Communication Building. The Secretary-1 and party were briefed on completion of the building and future tasks of the Bagan Cybertech Communication Building at the briefing hall by In-charge U Tint San of the ACE Construction Co, and installation of communication lines by General Staff Officer (Grade-1) Lt-Col Tin Oo of the Office of the Strategic Studies, the Ministry of Defence. Then, officials reported on matters related to power supply and communication services to the Secretary-1. Afterwards, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected the completion of the MICT Park and the Bagan Cybertech Communication Building. After giving necessary instructions to the officials, he left there in the evening.

( 5 )  Secretary-3 attends cornerstone laying ceremony for construction of Wunnagonyi three-storey Kyaungsaung in Thingangyun Township

Yangon, 22 Aug- A ceremony to lay cornerstones for construction of Wunnagonyi three-storey Kyaungsaung of Dhammawihara Pahtamagyaw Sarthintaik in Nga/Ka Ward, Thingangyun Township, Yangon East District, was held at the Sarthintaik this morning, attended by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint.

Also present at the ceremony were Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of the Sarthintaik Pahtamagyaw Dhammacariya Pali Specialist Catunikayavidu Eka Pitakat Ashin Garuvamsabhivamsa and members of the Sangha, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and respective departments and guests. Staff Officer of Divisional Religious Affairs Department U San Thin Hlaing read out the Mingala Mawgun. At the auspicious time, the Secretary-3 put the gem casket and then laid the cornerstone in the middle of the foundation.

The Secretary-3, the commander, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Mayor U Ko Lay, Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun and Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko laid the cornerstones at the designated places at the same time. The Secretary-3 put the inscribed plaque on the foundation and sprinkled scented water on it and the cornerstones.

After the ceremony, the Secretary-3 performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony. The merit-sharing ceremony followed. The Sayadaw invested the congregation with the Nine Precepts. The Secretary-3 presented offertories to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha. Engineer U Than Soe explained the plans to construct the three-storey Kyaungsaung. The Secretary-3 and party and those present shared the merits gained and the ceremony ended.

( 6 )  Minister inspects roads in Kayah State, bridge construction in Magway Division

Yangon, 22 Aug- Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials inspected Loikaw- Pinlaung-Kalaw-Thazi- Meik-tila road on 20 August. On 21 August, the minister inspected NyaungU-Chauk road and Seikphyu-Hsinphyu- gyun-Salin-Sagu road. The minister went to the construction site of Aye-yawady Bridge (Magway) in Minbu. Project Engineer Deputy Chief Engineer U Han Zaw reported on tasks for installation of the main truss on Minbu and Magway banks and work done. The minister then gave instructions and inspected progress of work on the approach bridge on Minbu side and installation of the main truss on Magway side. Deputy Chief Engineer reported on the work done. The minister then gave instructions. The Ayeyawady Bridge is 8,989 feet long and 28 feet wide. It has six feet wide walkways each on both sides and its clearance is 320 feet wide and 56 feet high. The bridge withstands 60-ton loads.

Attorney-General honours staff, students

Yangon, 22 Aug- Attorney-General U Tha Tun presented gifts to staff of the Attorney-General's Office and law offices and children of the staff families who are outstanding in education and sports fields today at the meeting hall 2 of the Attorney-General's Office. Attorney-General U Tha Tun gave a speech and presented gifts to first-grade award winners Director U Mya Nyein of the Attorney-General's Office, Yangon Division Law Officer U Han Nyunt, Sagaing Division Law Officer U Tin Hlaing and deputy directors of the Attorney-General's Office U Wi Shu and U Than Kyaw. Deputy Atorney-General U Khin Maung Aye and officials also presented gifts to six second-grade award winners, eight third-grade award winners, three advisers, one officer and the outstanding children of the staff.

Contract signed for Dyeing and Printing Factory Project

Yangon, 22 Aug- The Myanma Textile Industries of the Ministry of Industry-1 and PEC Ltd of India signed the contract for Yamethin Dyeing and Printing Factory Construction Project in Mandalay Division at the meeting hall of the Ministry at No 192, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, this morning. It was attended by Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun, directors-general and managing directors of the departments and industries under the ministry, Economic Attache of India Embassy Mr Avinash Pande and members, General Manager of PEC Ltd (India) Mr S R Bharati and party. Managing Director of MTI U Oo Thein Maung explained the project. Managing Director U Oo Thein Maung and Mr S R Bharati signed the contract and exchanged documents related to the contract. The project will be implemented on 16.5 acres of land five miles north of Yamethin within 11 months after the signing of the contract.

( 7 )  National Convention Convening Commission meets

Yangon, 22 Aug- The National Convention Convening Commission held a meeting at the meeting hall of NCCC office at 2 pm today. Present were NCCC Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Vice-Chairman Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and commission members. National Convention Convening Work Committee and National Convention Convening Management Committee reported on matters relating to National Convention. Members of the National Convention Convening Commission took part in the discussions. Afterwards, the meeting ended with the concluding remarks by Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin.

Myanmar delegation arrives back

Yangon, 22 Aug-  Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone arrived back here by air this evening after visiting Thailand at the invitation of Thai Commerce Minister. The minister and party were welcomed back at the airport by Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Thai Ambassador Mr Oum Maolanon, heads of departments and officials, officials of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and families of the delegation. Director-General of the Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Vice-President of UMFCCI U Win Aung and Deputy Director U Tin Shwe Win of the Directorate of Trade also arrived back on the same flight.

Indonesian guests calls on Minister

Yangon, 22 Aug-  Rear- Admiral Sumardi and party of Indonesian National Defence College study group, who are currently here, called on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung at Zizawa Yeiktha of the ministry this afternoon. Also present at the call were Directors-General and officials of the ministry and Ambassador of Myanmar to the Republic of Indonesia U Nyo Win.

( 8 )  Ayeyawady Divison USDA holds annual meeting

Yangon, 28 June- The annual meeting of Ayeyawady Division Union Solidarity and Development Association for 2001 was held at Ayeya Shwewa Hall in Pathein yesterday morning, attended by Patron of USDA Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann. Also present were Central Executive Committee member U Saw Tun, division level departmental heads, secretaries, executives and members of division/district/township USDAs, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross Society, Auxiliary Fire Brigade and outstanding students. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and CEC member U Saw Tun delivered speeches.

Then, the commander presented K 500,000 to the Ayeyawady Division USDA, K 4 million to Pathein District USDA and township USDAs, 3.5 million to Hinthada District USDA and township USDAs, K 3 million to Myaungmya District USDA and township USDAs, K 2.5 million to the Maubin District USDA and township USDAs, Pyapon District USDA and township USDAs each. Then the commander and the CEC member presented prizes to 22 outstanding students in the division who won five and four distinctions in the matriculation exam 2001.

The CEC member U Saw Tun arrived at the meeting hall of Pantanaw Township Peace and Development Council. He met with Chairman Lt-Col Thein Hlaing of Maubin District Peace and Development Council, the chairman of Pantanaw Township Peace and Development Council and members, departmental heads and gave instructions and heard reports. In the afternoon, the CEC member met with the Chairman and members of Danubyu Township Peace and Development Council, departmental heads, and members of USDA at the hall of township USDA and gave instructions.

Briefing on Myanmar ASEAN Art Awards

Yangon, 22 Aug- A briefing on holding Myanmar ASEAN Art Awards sponsored by the Office of Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence and the ASEAN Affairs Department the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and organized by the Philip Morris Companies Group was held at Cosmic Rays Studio Hall in Kandaw Mingalar Park, here, this morning. It was attended by artists, President of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents' Club U Sao Kai Hpa, Secretary U Nyunt Tin, journalists and distinguished guests. Director of the ASEAN Affairs Department U Than Tun explained the plans on holding arts, painting and photo contests in ASEAN region.

The officials explained facts about the Myanmar ASEAN Art Awards and ASEAN Arts Awards and replied to the queries raised by those present. The ASEAN Art Awards have been held for seven times beginning 1994. Final stages of the contest were alternately held in the cities of ASEAN region. Beginning 1998, two Myanmar painters were allowed to take part in every contest as guest painters yearly. Five prize winners in the Myanmar ASEAN Art Awards for Year 2001-2002 will be allowed to take part in the final contest. The entries are to be sent not later than 22 August. Those interested may contact the sponsors of the Myanmar ASEAN Art Awards, the New Treasure Art Gallery at No 84/A, Thanlwin Street, Shwedaunggya Avenue, Shwedaunggya Ward, University Post Office, Bahan Township, Yangon, and Htanyeiknyo Art Gallery at No 29, 26 (B) Street, between 63rd Street and 64th Street, Mandalay, for further details.

Information Minister accepts Philips TV

Yangon, 22 Aug- A ceremony to present a 43-inch Philips television set for the Myanma Radio and Television of the Ministry of Information was held at the meeting hall of the MRTV on Pyay Road here this afternoon, attended by Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General of the MRTV U Khin Maung Htay, Managing Director of the News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Managing Director of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein, officials and donor Chairman U Win Naing of Pyi Sone Win Naing Co Ltd and officials. Chairman U Win Naing explained about the donation and presented the 43-inch Philips TV set to Director-General U Khin Maung Htay. Minister Maj-Gen Kyi Aung spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to a close.