( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Republic of Romania

Yangon, 1 Dec - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Ion Iliescu, President of Romania, on the occasion of the Anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of Romania which falls on 1 December 2001.

( 2 ) Enhancing friendship and cooperation between Myanmar and Thailand in interest of both nations and peoples

Myanmar with abundant natural resources, Thailand with technology, capital, economically complementary to each other

Yangon, 30 Nov - Myanmar-Thai and Thailand-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Associations held the First Joint Meeting at International Business Centre here this afternoon. Patron of Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered the opening address at the meeting.

The Secretary-1 said: It is great privilege for me to have this opportunity to address the First Joint Meeting of the Myanmar-Thai and Thailand-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Associations. At the outset, allow me to say how delighted I am not only to meet once again with many of old and close friends from Thailand but also to make new acquaintances. Myanmar and Thailand are not just neighbours sharing a common border of more than 1300 miles. We are also brother countries that have similar religion, culture and traditions.

Therefore, enhancing friendship and cooperation between Myanmar and Thailand is in the interest of both our nations and our peoples. On the part of Myanmar, we would like to see the all-round consolidation of the traditional good ties between Myanmar and Thailand. In this regard, we are happy to note the recent strengthening of relations between the two nations. The frequent exchange of visits at all levels as well as the personal amity and rapport between the leaders of the two nations provide a great momentum for our relations.

 In the course of the years, Myanmar is honoured to welcome His Excellency Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister General Chavalit Yonchaiyudh and Foreign Minister Dr Surakiat Sathirathai to our country. On Myanmar's part, our Foreign Minister U Win Aung and I myself had the opportunity to visit Thailand. These visits had served to consolidate our relations and usher in a new era in bilateral ties.

 This has been translated into closer bonds between the two nations in many sectors, including the two Armed Forces. We also greatly appreciate the support given by Thailand in regional and international fora. It is our belief that the prevailing sentiments of goodwill between the two nations should be further cemented by stronger economic and commercial ties. Although our trade and investment relations are growing, a lot of potential remains intact.

Myanmar with its abundant natural resources and Thailand with its technology and capital are economically complementary to one another. We should each try to combine the strong points of our respective economies to our mutual benefit. Even as the two governments, two Armed Forces and business communities draw closer to each other, it is equally important that we should also try to promote people to people contacts.

Although our two nations share common cultural values, there is still a large scope for increasing understanding between the two peoples. It is in this spirit of widening people to people relations, of expanding cultural and economic cooperation and of complementing the efforts of the two governments to deepen bilateral ties that the decision was reached to establish cultural and economic cooperation associations in our two countries.

 I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh for initiating the process. On our part, I was able to inform General Chavalit Yongchai-yudh of the formation of Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association during my visit to Thailand last September. I am happy to note that since that time, the two associations have been in contact with each other and that preliminary discussions for promoting bilateral ties have already started.

I am fully confident that in view of the existing friendship and cooperation between the two Associations, their endeavours will surely be crowned with success.

 In conclusion, allow me to extend my sincere best wishes:

- For the further consolidation of friendship and cooperation between Myanmar and Thailand;

- For the continued success of the Myanmar-Thai and Thailand

-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Associations;

 - For the health and well-being of General Pat Akkarnibut, President of the Thailand-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Association; and - For the health and well-being of all participants present here today.

 Also present at the meeting were ministers, deputy ministers, President of Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Retired) and executives, President of Thailand-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Gen Pat Akkarnibut and party, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and guests. The Secretary-1 and party posed for a photo together with the guests from Thailand.

( 3 ) Secretary-1 receives Executive Vice-President of JETRO

Yangon, 30 Nov - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Executive Vice-President of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Mr Masato Akazawa and party at the Guest House of the Ministry of Defence this afternoon. Also present were Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe and Ambassador of Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori.

47 donors present K 34.362 million for construction of Thabbyinnyu Pagoda in Yangon

Yangon, 30 Nov - The 18th donation ceremony for construction of Thabbyinnyu Pagoda in Mayangon Township, Yangon Division, was held at the pagoda project site this afternoon. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and accepted the donations.

 Also present at the ceremony were Patron of Dhammaythaka Sarthintaik in Mayangon Township Agga Maha Gandavacaka Nun Daw Dhammesi, member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, deputy ministers, the chairman of the Committee to Build the Pagoda and members, chairmen of the subcommittees and members, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department and guests.

 Secretary of the Working Committee to Build the Pagoda Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung reported on progress in construction of the pagoda and Chairman of Finance Subcommittee Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation Thura U Thaung Lwin on the amount of donations received and expenditure.

Wellwishers then presented donations: Yangon City Development Committee presented K 2.5 million, staff and families of the Ministry of Industry-2 K 2.7 million, staff and families of the Ministry of Transport K 1 million, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Khin Maung, wife Daw Aye Aye Cho and family K 50,000, Lt-Cmdr (Navy) Ye Myint Tun, U Thet Naing Tun, Daw May Than Tun and Capt Ye Yint Tun in memory of their late mother Daw Khin San Myint K 200,000, Asia Express Co Ltd K 16.8 million, Golden Hill Tower K 1.532 million, Ko Ko Tu, Daw Sanda Aung and family K 1.4 million, Asia World Co Ltd K 1 million, Shwe Thanlwin Co Ltd K 1.05 million, U Zaw Win and Daw Khin Khin Htay of Aryon-Oo Construction K 600,000, U Aik Tun of Asia Wealth Bank Ltd K 500,000, Myanma Industrial Construction Services K 500,000, Shwekyaung Sayadaw and disciples K 510,000, U Hla Kyaw (Htay Myanmar) K 300,000, U Win Pe and Daw Aye Aye Myint K 100,000, Myanma Jute Enterprise K 100,000, Settlements and Land Records Department K 100,000, wellwishers in memory of the late Wunna Kyaw Htin U Maung Gyi-Daw Kyin Kyin K 105,000, Ko Aung Tun, Ma Myint Myint San and Ma Htet Htet Lin K 150,000, Ministry of Immigration and Population K 15,000, U Win Aung K 105,000, Myanma Shipyards K 300,000, Myanma Port Authority K 300,000, Civil Aviation Department K 300,000, Inland Water Transport K 300,000, Institute of Marine Technology K 300,000, Myanma Five Star Shipyard K 300,000, U Ti Lon and Daw Nang Ei San K 300,000, U Sai Aik Paung (Myanmar Salt Entrepreneurs Association) K 100,000, Daw Khin Hla K 100,000, U Myat Lwin of Myatthabye Mini Market K 300,000, Department for Development of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems K 300,000, U Ko Hsu Shein and Daw Swe Swe Han K 15,000. A total of 47 donors presented K 34.362 million today.

 The Secretary-1 and ministers accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt looked into the requirements of the officials to implement the pagoda construction project. During inspection of the project, the Secretary-1 and party also paid homage to ancient Buddha images.

( 4 )  Kathina robes offered to Sayadaws and members of Sangha of Insein Ywama Pariyatti Sarthintaik

 Yangon, 30 Nov - Yangon Division All Private Bus Lines Control Committee offered Kathina robes to the Presiding Sayadaw and members of the Sangha of Insein Ywama Pariyatti Sarthintaik totalling 615 at the Sarthintaik in Insein Township, this morning. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented Kathina robes and offertories to the Presiding Sayadaw.

 Also present were Joint Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kundalajoti and member Sayadaws, Presiding Sayadaw of Insein Ywama Pariyatti Sarthintaik Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Nandavamsa, members of the Sangha and novices, member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, division, district and township authorities, Chairman of Yangon Division All Private Bus Lines Control Committee U Phone Kyaw and members and guests.

The Secretary-1 and party and the congregation received the Five Precepts from Taikok Sayadaw of Insein Ywama Pariyatti Sarthintaik Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Tilokabhivamsa. Then, the Secretary-1 presented Kathina robes and offertories to Presiding Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Nandavamsa. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party and the wellwishers presented Kathina robes and offertories to members of the Sangha. Taikok Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Tilokabhivamsa delivered a sermon.

 The Secretary-1 and party and the wellwishers shared merits gained for good deeds. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party also offered robes to the Presiding Sayadaw, members of the Sangha and novices of Insein Ywama Pariyatti Sarthintaik. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party offered " soon " to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected the construction of a two-storey Soonsarhsaung at the Sarthintaik and gave instructions.

Daw Kyaing Kyaing offers Kathina robes to Sayadaws at Thathana Zeya Mingalar Sarthintaik in Tamway Township

 Yangon, 30 Nov-The sixth Kathina robes offering ceremony of Thathana Zeya Mingalar Pariyatti Sarthintaik was held at the Sarthintaik in Tamway Township this morning. Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe's wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing offered Kathina robes and alms to Sayadaws. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Presiding Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajoti-kadhaja Bhaddanta Dhamma Palita of Saddhamma Vansaron Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Ahlon Township, Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panninda of Thathana Zeya Mingalar Pariyatti Sarthintaik and members of the Sangha.

Also present were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye's wife Daw Mya Mya San, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt's wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, late Lt-Gen Tin Oo's wife Daw Khin Than Nwe, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay and wife Daw Khin Khin, senior military officers and their wives, Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and wife Daw Khin Nyunt Myaing, Secretary of YCDC Col Myint Aung, Joint Secretary U Kyi Win and committee members, heads of department and their wives and guests. The ceremony was opened with the three-time recitation of namo tassa. The congregation received the Five Precepts from Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Dhamma Palita of Saddhamma Vansaron Pari-yatti Sarthintaik in Ahlon Township. Then, the Sayadaws and members of Sangha recited parittas .

 Next, Daw Kyaing Kyaing offered Kathina robes and alms to the Presiding Sayadaw of Thathana Zeya Mingalar Pariyatti Sarthintaik. Afterwards, Daw Mya Mya San, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Daw Khin Than Nwe, the Mayor, the Vice-Mayor and wellwishers donated Kathina robes and alms to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. The Presiding Saya-daw Bhaddanta Panninda of Thathana Zeya Mingalar Pariyatti Sarthintaik delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits gained for good deeds.

The ceremony ended with three-time recitation of namo tassa. Daw Kyaing Kyaing and guests performed the ritual of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony. After the ceremony, Daw Kyaing Kyaing and guests offered soon to the members of the Sangha.

( 5 )  Thai cultural dance group arrives

 Yangon, 30 Nov - A Thai cultural dance group led by Deputy Minster of Education of Thailand Dr Sirikorn Maneerin arrived here by air at 9.25 am today. They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon and departmental heads of the Ministry of Culture. Minister for Culture U Tin Winn received the Thai cultural dance group at his office at 2.00 pm today. They discussed the matters related to promotion of Myanmar-Thai cultural cooperation. Also present were Deputy Minister U Soe Nyunt, Ambassador of Thailand Mr Oum Maolanon and officials.

First Joint Meeting of Myanmar-Thai and Thailand-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Associations held

Yangon, 30 Nov-The First Joint Meeting of Myanmar-Thai and Thailand-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Associations took place at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road here at 1 pm today.

Present on the occasion were patrons of Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association, ministers, Thai Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon, the President of Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Associations and EC members and representatives from the ministries. President of the Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Retd) and President of Thailand-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Gen Akkanibut made speeches on the occasion.

 Then, the representatives of both sides discussed and coordinated matters related to culture, social, science and technology, trade and economy of the two countries in groups. In the evening, President of the Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Retd) hosted a dinner in honour of President of Thailand-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Gen Akkanibut and members at Karawaik Palace.

Also present at the dinner were Patron of the Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, ministers, executives of Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association, the Chairman of Thailand-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association and members, and representatives from the ministries.

Yangon, 1 Dec - U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Mircea Geoana, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, on the occasion of the Anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of Romania which falls on 1 December 2001.

Matho Thingan weaving contests, light-offering ceremonies held at pagodas in Yangon

 Yangon, 30 Nov - Today being the fullmoon day of Tazaungmon, Matho Thingan offering ceremonies were held at pagodas in Yangon. The Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees organized the 17th Matho Thingan Offering Ceremony this morning. Religious associations offered fruits to the Buddha at prayer halls. Devout Buddhists offered "dawn soon" to the Buddha, kept Sabbath and meditated at the pagoda. Such pagodas around the Shwedagon Pagoda as Maha Villzaya Pagoda, Kaba Aye Pagoda, Hsutaungpyi Phaya and Maha Zeya Atula Marazein Bronze Buddha Image were crowded with people practising good deeds. At Botahtaung Pagoda, the pagoda board of trustees organized a Matho Thingan weaving contest at the pagoda yesterday evening. Prizes were presented to the winning teams this morning.

At Sule Pagoda, the light-offering ceremony and the Kathina robe offering ceremony were held. At Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Pagoda, the sixth Matho Thingan offering ceremony was held on the platform of the pagoda all the day. People thronged Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township and paid homage to the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image. The white elephant garden located south of Mindhamma Hill was crowded with people, who made donations to the fund for the food of the white elephant.

At Mailamu Pagoda, the pagoda board of trustees organized the eighth Matho Thingan weaving contest within the precinct of the pagoda in North Okkalapa Township. The Buddha Pujanayuva Association offered " soon " to the pagoda. The pagoda board of trustees also offered " soon" to the Ovadacariya Sayadaws of the pagoda board of trustees. The Sayadaws recited Parittas. At Kyaikkasan Pagoda, the 22nd Matho Thingan weaving contest and the light-offering ceremony were held at the pagoda in Thingangyun Township, Yangon East District, at 5 pm yesterday.

A communal Kathina ceremony was held at MyoU Pagoda in Shwepyitha this morning. Padethabins donated by the wellwishers were sent to the pagoda. The ceremony was attended by the township ovadacariya Sayadaws and member Sayadaws of Township Sangha Nayaka Committee. The Sayadaws delivered sermons. Government and public buildings were festooned with multi-coloured lights, and Myinmobwes (festivals of lights) were also held according to the tradition.