The Myanmar delegation led by U Tin Oo Lwin, Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture, attended the “2024 ASEAN-Chi­na Year of People-to-People Exchanges Presentation and Opening Ceremony” held in Fu­zhou City of Fujian Province of the People’s Republic of China on 1 and 2 February and returned to Yangon yesterday afternoon.

The ceremony was attended by Shen Yiqin, State Counsellor of the People’s Republic of China, Kikeo Khaikhamphitoun, Dep­uty Prime Minister of the Lao Democratic Republic, provincial officials of China, guests from ASEAN member countries, the Deputy ASEAN Secretary-Gen­eral for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, and other invited guests. The Myanmar delegation attended the logo presentation ceremony to commemorate the “2024 ASEAN-China Year of Peo­ple-to-People Exchanges” held on the evening of 1 February, and the dinner hosted by the Fujian Province Government.

Union Minister U Tin Oo Lwin and party attended a meet­ing with Shen Yiqin, the State Counsellor of the China, at 9:00 am local time on 2 February, to­gether with leaders of the delega­tions from the ASEAN member countries, and toured the exhibits displayed at the Fuzhou Strait International Conference and Exhibition Centre Lobby.

Furthermore, the Union Minister attended the Open­ing Ceremony held at the Mul­ti-Function Hall of Fuzhou Strait International Conference and Exhibition Centre and deliv­ered a speech. In his speech, the Union Minister said Myanmar, which is an important member of ASEAN, recognized and support­ed the importance of promoting people-to-people exchanges in building a bridge of friendship and cooperation, cultural her­itage, traditions and diversity are the things that shape the colourful picture of the ASEAN region, strengthening regional cooperation and promoting mu­tual understanding among the people. Those activities are in line with Myanmar’s goals. He also expressed his belief that through 2024 ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges Programme, regional countries will be able to promote unity, friendship, mutual respect and cooperation between diverse societies.

Furthermore, the Union Minister attended the luncheon hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries at the Empark Exhibition Grand Hotel. In his speech, the Union minister said that it is appropriate to realize the importance of preserving and promoting cultural traditions, promoting mutual respect, and mutual dialogue between differ­ent cultures.

In the afternoon, the Un­ion minister attended the ASE­AN-China Spring Festival Car­nival held at the Maritime Silk Road Culture Square together with the ASEAN representatives. In the evening, they attended the music concert “The Dream of the Maritime Silk Road” held at the Fujian Theatre.

On 3 February, the Myanmar delegation went on a study tour to Fuzhou Hotspring Park, Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Histor­ical Cultural Area, “Vision 3820” Strategic Plan 30^th Anniversary Exhibition, and Yantai Mountain Historical Areas along with rep­resentatives from ASEAN mem­ber countries. — MNA/TKO