( 1 )  PRC President Mr Jiang Zemin and Madame Wang Yeping conclude state visit

Yangon, 15 Dec- The goodwill delegation led by President of the People's Republic of China Mr Jiang Zemin and Madame Wang Yeping left Bagan-NyaungU Airport by special flight and arrived at Mandalay International Airport in Mandalay Division at 4.15 pm on 14 December. They were accompanied by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and wife, Myanmar Ambassador to PRC U Sein Win Aung and wife and Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun.

At the airport, 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, Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein and wife and Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win and wife boarded the plane and welcomed President Mr Jiang Zemin and Madame Wang Yeping. Then, Myanmar boys and girls presented bouquets to the members of the goodwill delegation. The goodwill delegation was accorded a hearty welcome by Deputy Chief Justice U Khin Maung Latt, directors-general, division-level departmental heads, the consul-general of Consulate-Genearl of PRC in Mandalay, the Chinese community in Mandalay, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, the Working Committee for Women's Affairs, teachers, students and dance troupes.

The girl students at the airport performed a dance to the accompaniment of the song Man Taung Yeik Kho. The Kyaukse elephant dance troupe and the royal drum troupe of the Fine Arts Department (Mandalay Branch) also welcomed the goodwill delegation. The archways bearing the words written both in Myanmar and English 'We welcome His Excellency President of the People's Republic of China Mr Jiang Zemin and Madame Wang Yeping' were put up at the entrance to Mandalay International Airport and at the entrance to Mandalay City. Inside the airport and along the road leading to the exit of the airport, the flags of both countries were hoisted. The goodwill delegation led by President Mr Jiang Zemin and Madame Wang Yeping, accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife, left Mandalay International Airport for Mandalay by car. Along the road, the welcoming public waved miniature flags of both countries and chanted slogans hailing friendship between the two countries.

The goodwill delegation arrived at the Sedona Hotel in Mandalay. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint hosted a dinner in honour of the goodwill delegation led by President Mr Jiang Zemin and Madame Wang Yeping at the Sedona Hotel. The prize winners of Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions and musicians entertained the goodwill delegation during the dinner. President Mr Jiang Zemin and Madame Wang Yeping met with the consul-general of the Consulate-General of PRC in Mandalay and the Chinese community in Mandalay at the Sedona Hotel and had group photos taken. The goodwill delegation visited Myanan Sankyaw Golden Palace. The goodwill delegation was welcomed by Minister for Culture U Tin Winn and officials. Director-General of the Department of Archaeology U Nyunt Han reported on facts about the golden palace and the layout plan of the golden place.

Then, the goodwill delegation looked round the golden palace and the Golden Palace Cultural Museum. President Mr Jiang Zemin signed in the visitors' book. Afterwards, the goodwill delegation went to Mandalay Hill and enjoyed the scene of Mandalay City from the platform of the Hsutaungpyi Pagoda. President Mr Jiang Zemin signed in the visitors' book and made donations to the pagoda funds. Later, the goodwill delegation proceeded to Kuthodaw Buddha Image at Maha Lawka Marazein pagoda and viewed the Tri-pitaka stone inscriptions donated by King Mindon. President Mr Jiang Zemin and members of goodwill delegation visited Kutho-daw Buddha image at Maha Lawka Marazein pagoda and and they arrived back at the Sedona Hotel.

This morning, Madame Wang Yeping, wife of PRC President Mr Jiang Zemin, accompanied by Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, wife of Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint, wife of member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, wife of Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, wife of Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, wife of Myanmar Ambassador to the PRC U Sein Win Aung and officials, visited Kuthodaw Buddha image at Maha Lawka Marazein pagoda and and had souvenir photos taken. Madame Wang Yeping, and party also visited Myanan Sankyaw Shwenandaw and had souvenir photos taken.

In the afternoon, members of goodwill delegation led by PRC President Mr Jiang Zemin and Madame Wang Yeping arrived at Mandalay International Airport. President Jiang Zemin and Madame Wang Yeping and party were welcomed by Deputy Chief Justice U Khin Maung Latt, the directors-general, heads of departments, Consul-General of PRC Consulate-General in Mandalay, Chinese residents in Mandalay, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, members of social association, members of dance troupe, teachers, students waving miniature flags of the two countries and chanting slogans hailing the friendship of the two countries.

PRC President Mr Jiang Zemin and Madame Wang Yeping and members of goodwill delegation were seen off at the airport by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, 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, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and wife, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein and wife, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win and wife, Myanmar Ambassador to the PRC U Sein Win Aung and wife and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Members of the goodwill delegation led by PRC President Mr Jiang Zemin and Madame Wang Yeping left for home at 2.30 pm.

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( 2 ) Second traditional medicine and medical equipment exhibition opened

Yangon, 15 Dec- A ceremony to open the second traditional medicine and medical equipment exhibition was held at the Tamadaw Convention Centre on U Wisara Road this evening, attended by Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The exhibition was organized by the Department of Traditional Medicine in accordance with the guidance 'To hold traditional medicine and medical equipment exhibitions with a view to encouraging the people to use systematically-produced potent traditional medicines.' Also present were ministers, the Auditor-General, the Mayor of Yangon, deputy ministers, officials of embassies in Yangon, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, the director-general of the Department of Traditional Medicine and officials, members of the Traditional Medicine Council, delegates of states and divisions who are here to attend the Traditional Medicine Practitioners Conference, herbal raw material dealers, traditional medicine producers and guests.

Members of the Traditional Medicine Council traditional medicine practitioners U Maung Nyan, U Htay Myint and U Soe Hlaing formally opened the exhibition. Then, the Secretary-1 and party and guests viewed the exhibition. The Department of Traditional Medicine and the Department of Medical Research (Lower Myanmar) under the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Industry-1, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and private traditional medicine producers and dealers have opened 134 booths at the exhibition. The exhibition will be open to public from 9 am to 6 pm till 28 December.

( 3 ) Commander inspects Yangon Division Vegetable and Poultry Farm

Yangon, 15 Dec- 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 arrived at Yangon Division Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone near Nyaunghnapin Village, Hmawby Township, Yangon North District, this afternoon. The commander inspected vegetable patches, and the breeding of layers and broilers in the special zones, and attended to the needs.

The commander inspected the raising of layers at Taing Myan Kyaw chicken-run in the special zone-1 and land preparations for cultivation of vegetables in the surrounding areas of the chicken-run, and attended to the requirements. Then, the commander arrived at Hmawby Hsan Hall, where he was welcomed by the officials. At the briefing hall, in-charge of the special zone-1 Manager of Yangon Division Agricultural Service U San Maung, in-charge of the special zone-2 Head of Yangon North District General Administration Department U Thein Naing and in-charge of the special zone-3 Head of the Division Settlement and Land Records Department U Naing Win reported on progress of work in clearing undergrowth, earth work, cultivation of vegetables, and the breeding of layers and broilers in the respective zones. Then, those present reported on matters related to agriculture and livestock breeding, and work done sectorwise.

The commander urged departmental officials to provide assistance for national agricultural entrepreneurs as now is the best time for cultivation of vegetables, and to make efforts for the greening of the zones with vegetable patches. Next, the commander inspected vegetable patches in the zone-1 from the observation tower and left instructions. The commander inspected the breeding of 10,000 Shiva-570 strain chickens of the Myanmar Standard Co Ltd.

Managing Director U Sein Win reported on plans to be carried out for production of Shiva 579 strain chickens. The commander gave instructions. The commander inspected agricultural and livestock work in the special zone-2 and gave instructions. In this cultivation season, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Electric Power, the Ministry of Rail Transportation, the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs and national agricultural entrepreneurs are growing cucumber, ridged gourd, radish, cabbage, Brassica alboglobra (Chinese kale), mustard, lettuce, tomato, chilli, paprika, onion, water melon, corn, maize, and beans on over 3,500 acres of land in the zones with traditional and modern agricultural methods, and are breeding over 350,000 layers and broilers. A total of over 100,000 broilers have been marketed.

The commander inspected construction of a spillway and a sluice gate near eastern Kya-in Village for supply of water from Kalihtaw Dam for the special zone. Director of the Division Irrigation Department U Kyaw Thein reported on progress of work. The commander fulfilled the needs. The construction of water supply facilities will be completed in December and the supply of water to Yangon Division Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone will start at the end of December.

MMA (Mandalay) holds medicine and medical equipment exhibition

Yangon, 15 Dec- A ceremony to open the Annual Meeting, Medical Symposium and Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition of Myanmar Medical Association was held at the Yadanabon Hall of the association in Chanayethazan Township, Mandalay yesterday.

It was attended by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein, senior military officers, Secretary of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Ohn and members, departmental officials, Director-General Dr Wan Maung of the Health Department, Director-General Dr Kyi Soe of the Health Planning Department, Chairman of MMA (Mandalay) Professor Dr U Ko Lay and vice chairmen, Deputy Director of the Health Planning Department (Upper Myanmar) Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint and professors, medical superintendents, members and guests. First, the commander made a speech. Then, Brig-Gen Yan Thein formally opened the exhibition. Later, the commander and guests looked around the exhibition. Medicines and medical equipment are displayed at 23 booths.

( 4 ) Sarsodaw Day commemorative book fair opened

Yangon, 15 Dec-  Sarsodaw Day (1363 ME) commemorative book fair organized by Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association was opened at the building of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise on Pyay Road at 8 am today. Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung opened the book fair. Also present were Deputy Ministers for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein and U Thein Sein, directors-general, managing directors, directors and advisers to the departments and enterprises under the ministry, Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) and central executive committee members of MWJA, departmental officials, literati, those from publishing houses participating in the book fair and guests. Joint-Secretary U Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe) of MWJA acted as master of ceremonies. First, Chairman of the Committee for Organizing Book Fair Vice-Chairman-2 U Myint Thein (Myint Thein Aung) of MWJA explained about the book fair.

Then, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung and Chairman U Hla Myaing ( Ko Hsaung) formally opened the book fair. Afterwards, the minister, the deputy ministers, departmental heads, the chairman and executives of MWJA and guests viewed the book fair. Yarpyai, Satekucho-cho, Monyway, Tharlon,Wah-moeaung, Mikhin Ayeyar-wady, Aungchantha, Thatin-kaung, Hsintewa, Parami, Sarpaylawka, Daing Khin Khin, Myoma, Thihayadana, Tin Shwe, Sarpay Beikman, Myatpwint, Khayephu, Nat-khata Yaungchi, Zaw, Pho Thin Naing, Ko Pe Win, Panmyotatya, Japangyi, Yan Aung and Panshwepyi publishing houses and the book shops of the News and Periodicals Enterprises and Yangon City Development Committee are participating in the book fair. The book fair opens from 9 am to 5 pm daily till 21 December.

Minister inspects road and bridge construction projects in Magway Division

Yangon, 15 Dec- Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, together with Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and officials, inspected Seik-phyu-Myitche-Kandwin road section in Chauk on 11 December and gave instructions on maintenance of Yaw Creek Bridge at the Kandwin Camp.

Then, the minister and party inspected condition of the waterway under Hsinzar Bailey Bridge, and called on the township engineers to coordinate work for maintenance of the waterway and durability of the bridge. Then, the minister and party also inspected the site chosen for construction of Ohndaw Bridge and gave instructions on designation of a better place for the bridge. After that, the minister and party proceeded to Pakokku and heard a report on work to be carried out on Pauk-Bilin-Pakokku road section during the open season presented by the senior engineer of Pakokku Township. Later, the minister and party arrived at Htilin Guest House in Htilin Township. The officials reported on work to be undertaken during the open season.

( 5 ) Minister for PBANRDA tours Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 15 Dec- Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt attended the ceremony to put back into service Moehoak-Wadawsun rural gravel road at Kyaungsu Village, Nyaungdon Township, Ayeyawady Division, this morning. Also present were local authorities, departmental personnel, officials and members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Myanmar War Veetrans Organization members, members of social organizations and local people.

Chairman of Nyaungdon Township Peace and Development Council U Myint Thein and Executive Officer of Development Affairs Committee U Soe Naing Oo reported on efforts for construction of the gravel road. Chairman U Myint Thein, Executive Officer U Soe Naing Oo and Secretary of Township USDA U Aung Mya Than formally put back the road into service. The road, 12 feet wide and two miles and three furlongs long, was built at a cost of K 6.5 million provided by Township Development Affairs Committee. The people from nearby villages can travel along the road in all weathers. Afterwards, the minister and party attended the opening ceremony of Pantanaw-Gonmin rural gravel road and the bridge. Chairman of Pantanaw Township Peace and Development Council U Myo Han and Executive Officer of Development Affairs Committee U Soe Myint reported on efforts for construction of the road and the bridge. Secretary of Township USDA U Myint Thein, Development Affairs Committee Executive Officer U Soe Myint and U Saw Myint Thein of Gonmin Village formally opened the road. Bridge donor U Kyint Hlaing, Executive Officer U Soe Myint and Secretary of Township USDA U Myint Thein formally opened the bridge on the Pantanaw-Gonmin road.

The road, 10 feet wide and two miles and four furlongs long, was built at a cost of about K 10 million. U Kyint Hlaing donated K 800,000 to the funds for construction of the bridge. The people from 30 villages can now go to Pantanaw in all weathers. Later, the minister met with officials and local people at Gonmin village and gave instructions on rural development tasks. Next, he met with officials and staff of Basic Education High School in Pantanaw. Afterwards, he went to Pantanaw Township USDA and met with USDA members. He called on them to cooperate with departmental personnel in undertaking rural development tasks. In the afternoon, the minister attended the coordination meeting on rural development tasks of 26 Township Development Affairs Committees of Ayeyawady Division at the office of Nyaungdon Township Development Affairs Committee. Officials concerned reported on work performance of the Township Development Affairs Committees, and progress of work in building rural roads and bridges. The minister attended to their requirements.

Minister inspects Indakaw Industrial Zone

Yangon, 15 Dec- Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, accompanied by Deputy Minister Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw and officials, arrived at Indakaw Industrial Zone under the Ministry of Industry-2 in Indakaw Region, Bago Division this morning. In the briefing hall, managing directors concerned reported on assembly and test-run of machinery, arrival of more industrial equipment and construction of factories and workshops. The minister then inspected the production process at the radiator workshop of Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries, pilot production of wheels at automobile workshop, construction of road, earth work, construction of a power tiller factory and shed of Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries. The minister gave necessary instructions.

( 6 )  Sacred Buddha relics arrive from Sri Lanka

Yangon, 15 Dec- The sacred Buddha relics to be kept at Mwedaw Katku Pagoda in Taunggyi Township, Shan State, conveyed by Golden Buddhist Temple Sayadaw Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Ven Shi Fa Zhao of Singapore arrived here by air at 11.30 am today.

Director-General U Sann Lwin of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana, Director-General Dr Myo Myint of Religious Affairs Department, Secretary of the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image Construction Committee Cmdr Khin Maung Oo (Navy), officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, wut associations, PaO national race and Sri Lankan cultural troupe paid obeisance to the Buddha sacred relics at Yangon International Airport. Sayadaw Ven Shi Fa Zhao and PaO national race leader U Aung Kham Hti conveyed the sacred relics from the aircraft. Then, the sacred relics were conveyed from Yangon International Airport to Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township.

Along the route, wut associations, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and people paid obeisance to the sacred relics. On arrival at Mindhamma Hill, a ceremony to pay obeisance to the Buddha sacred relics was held. At the ceremony, the Sri Lankan sacred relics conveying group recited religious verses. Then, Patron of the Pagoda Board of Trustees U Shein Aung Bo and wut associations offered flowers and water at the sacred relics and donated provisions to the Sayadaws. Sayadaw Ven Shi Fa Zhao explained the purpose of paying obeisance to the sacred relics. On behalf of the Minister for Religious Affairs, Director-General U Sann Lwin spoke words of thanks. Afterwards, two pieces of the sacred relics were temperarily kept on Mindhamma Hill.

Next, one of them was conveyed from Mindhamma Hill to Nikaya Sarthintaik on Pale Yadana Road in Dagon Myothit (South) Township. USDA members, students and people paid obeisance to the sacred relic along the entrance road to the Sarthintaik. Then, a ceremony to pay obeisance to the sacred relic of Sri Lanka conveyed by Sayadaw Ven Shi Fa Zhao was held at Pyilon Chantha Maha Ordination Hall of the Sarthintaik. Present were Chairman of Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Presiding Nayaka of the Sarthintaik Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Myingyan Koehsaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita and members of the Sangha, Golden Buddhist Temple Sayadaw Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Ven Shi Fa Zhao of Singapore, Sayadaws of Singapore and Sri Lanka, Director-General U Sann Lwin of DPPS, Director-General Dr Myo Myint of RAD, Secretary of the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image Construction Committee Cmdr Khin Maung Oo (Navy), Yangon East District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Aung Pyay and members, officials, USDA members, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Auxiliary Fire Brigade, wut association and people.

Next, provisions were donated to members of the Sangha. Sayadaw Ven Shi Fa Zhao spoke words of thanks and offered a piece of sacred Buddha relic to Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita. The remaining sacred relic will be kept for a night at Mindhamma Hill. On 16 December, it will be conveyed from here by air to be kept at Mwedaw Katku Pagoda in Taunggyi Township, Shan State.