ETHNIC solidarity involves all ethnic nationals uniting and coexisting peacefully, and supporting each other through good times and bad. It is, in fact, among the most important foundations of the Union of Myanmar. The diverse ethnic races of Myanmar have been living in close proximity for thousands of years. While they have had their fair share of conflicts in the past, these resembled no more than familial disputes, which would get resolved on their own, sooner or later. At a time when we were drifting apart and external forces interfered in our affairs, we managed to unite the entire country under a single spirit.
The historic First Burmese Empire was founded by King Anawratha and the Second Burmese Empire was established by King Bayinnaung. The Third Burmese Empire was established by Alaungpaya, while the Fourth Burmese Union was founded under the leadership of Bogyoke Aung San, who firmly established it as an independent sovereign state that continues to exist till today.
The Union of Myanmar was divided into seven states and seven regions, depending on the majority race living in the area, with the agreement of the people. Even so, all ethnic nationals consider the land, water, and people of the state or region they live in as their own, without any discrimination. They live peacefully as one big united family.
Our country is now on the path to ensuring equality, freedom of opportunity, and many other freedoms that are embodied by a democratic nation. All stakeholders are making their utmost effort to help realize the wishes of the ethnic nationals by establishing a democratic federal Union. When that lofty goal is achieved, each one of us will be able to shape our own destiny, while peace and development will increase in each region.
To reach this stage, we must first work on implementing peace, and to achieve that, we must foster trust among all ethnic nationals. The Union government is facing some challenges in implementing uniform development across Myanmar, but we can see it is doing its best.
This being the case, we urge everyone in the country and our supporters at home and abroad to strive for Union peace and national reconciliation first, and follow it up with upholding non-disintegration of the Union and strengthening ethnic solidarity.
