A diplomatic briefing was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Yangon yesterday, in which Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe briefed ambassadors, heads of missions, diplomats, and representatives from United Nations agencies based in Yangon on the current developments in Myanmar.
The briefing was attended by Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Aung Kyaw Kyaw, UEC Member U Aung Lwin Oo, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Union Election Commission, as well as Ambassadors, chargés d’affaires, diplomats, and representatives from UN agencies. In his remarks, the Union minister explained the ongoing preparations for the forthcoming multiparty democratic general election, ensuring that the elections will be free, fair, and inclusive. He noted that no restrictions have been imposed on political parties or candidates wishing to contest the election, and that arrangements are being made to hold the elections in phases. He also briefed that local and international election observers, diplomats, international organizations, and media representatives have been invited and granted accreditation to monitor the electoral process, ensuring the election’s transparency.
Regarding the peace process, the Union minister reiterated that the Government continues to invite Ethnic Armed Organizations and armed groups to participate in peace talks and the political process through dialogue. He also highlighted that armed groups based in border areas are operating online gambling, casinos, and online scams together with international criminal gangs.
He stated that within an over two-year period, from October 2023 to November 2025, a total of 67,982 foreign nationals from 52 countries who had illegally entered Myanmar through neighbouring countries were deported to their respective home countries. He further briefed that 99.5 per cent of illegal entries occurred through land routes from neighbouring countries, with most operations based in Kayin State, particularly in the Myawady and Maethawtalay KK Park areas, where online fraud activities are conducted. He also briefed that these gangs and armed groups have been getting internet, electricity, and financial transactions from neighbouring countries for their illegal activities. He therefore stressed the need for greater cross-border cooperation to combat transnational crimes effectively. The Union minister also urged diplomats to convey the true situation on the ground in Myanmar to their respective governments.
Officials from the Union Election Commission then conducted a demonstration of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), explaining the electronic voting system. Diplomats observed the voting process firsthand and engaged in questions and discussions regarding the system.
Subsequently, officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs briefed participants on transnational crimes and drug eradication efforts, noting that most of the chemical precursors used in narcotics production are being trafficked into Myanmar from neighbouring countries. They highlighted the involvement of certain EAOs in these activities, which directly affect Myanmar’s internal political stability, and called for stronger cooperation and monitoring from neighbouring countries. Officials also presented video testimonies of individuals apprehended during operations against online gambling syndicates. Regarding the crackdown on KK Park, a scam hub in Myawaddy Township, the official explained that of the total 625 buildings, 148 have been demolished in the first phase, 62 in the second phase, and 425 buildings are planned for demolition in the next phases. They underscored the importance of cooperation among the country of origin, the destination country, and the transit country in addressing these transnational issues. The briefing concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which diplomats raised their queries and responsible officials provided clarifications. — MNA
