Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla watched the “Great Russia and Siberia” variety show performed by “Chaldony” State Song and Dance Ensemble of Novosibirsk, the Russian Federation, at the Myanmar International Convention Centre I (MICC I) in Nay Pyi Taw, yesterday afternoon.
The event began with the national anthems of both countries, followed by opening remarks by the Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission.
In his speech, the Senior General warmly welcomed the audience to the performance by the “Chaldony” State Song and Dance Ensemble from Novosibirsk, Russia.
The occasion was a meaningful and significant time for enhancing friendship and cultural cooperation between the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Russian Federation, which has already established more than 77 years of diplomatic relations based on mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration in various sectors, including culture, education, and arts.
He highlighted that the two countries have long maintained strong and lasting relations in multiple sectors, such as defence, education, science, technology, health, and culture, and the sector-wise cooperation between Myanmar and the Novosibirsk Region would continue to strengthen further.
Through the performance by the “Chaldony” State Song and Dance Ensemble, Myanmar audiences would not only appreciate the artistry and Siberian culture of the Novosibirsk Region but also reaffirm the deep and friendly ties between the peoples of both nations.
He noted that art reflects the culture and spirit of humankind, transcending all barriers to share beauty, harmony, and peace, uniting people through friendship. Therefore, the event was not merely a cultural exchange or entertainment event but also an opportunity to further strengthen the warm and friendly relations between Myanmar and Russia.
Novosibirsk Governor, Mr Andrey Travnikov, then expressed gratitude to the Senior General for inviting him to visit Myanmar, and giving special interest to culture and arts of Siberians. He continued that Myanmar’s religious and cultural heritage was profoundly rich and impressive, reflecting the sincerity and honesty of the Myanmar people. Although over a hundred ethnic groups live within the Russian Federation, they are all united by the same history and destiny.
He explained that the name “Chaldony” has deep historical significance, representing the ancient Siberians, Russians and the first pioneers and settlers of Siberia. The ensemble, he said, preserves the traditional customs, songs, and musical heritage of Siberia, and was honoured to perform in Myanmar to share Siberian culture, art, and joy with the Myanmar people.
The Senior General and his wife, and other attendees, enjoyed performances by artistes from the Novosibirsk Chaldony State Song and Dance Ensemble and artistes from the Department of Fine Arts under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture.
The performances included classical and traditional Russian songs and dances based on rich folklore, performed with vibrant movements and musical artistry. The ensemble also presented a song titled “Bread is Everything”, by offering the Senior General and his wife the traditional Russian greeting of bread and salt, a symbol of friendship, gratitude, and hospitality.
After the event, the Senior General and his wife presented the flower bouquets to the artistes of the Chaldony State Song and Dance Ensemble and the Department of Fine Arts.
The Senior General and the Novosibirsk Governor exchanged gifts.
The artistes of Novosibirsk Chaldony State Song and Dance Ensemble presented the ‘Latt Ti’ song for the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and concluded the event. — MNA/ KTZH
