AS the 70th anniversary of relations between China and Myanmar approaches, the Think Tank Scholars Summit on Myanmar – China Relations in the New Era was held at Lotte Hotel, Yangon, yesterday morning.
The event was organized by the Myanmar Affairs Study Group, an extension of the Research and Information Division (Yangon) under the Ministry of Information, and the Institute of Myanmar Studies (IMS) of Yunnan University.
Thirteen scholars from the university and seventeen from Myanmar discussed the advancements of Myanmar-China relations and additional benefits to expect in the future in a 4-part programme at the summit.
Firstly, U Aye Maung Kyaw of the Myanmar Affairs Study Group, Dr Aung Tun Thet of the Myanmar Peace and Investment Committee, and Mr Li Chenyang, the Rector of Yunnan University, delivered remarks on the basic needs of both countries and their main driving forces for establishing good future relations between the two. The summit then commenced and the first section of the programme saw discussions by U Ye Myint Kyaw on China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, Yangon Region Hluttaw representative Daw Sandar Min on constructing China-Myanmar relations bridge, Dr Zhai Kum on the latest development of the Belt and Road Initiative, U Aye Lwin on cross-border trade and investment, and Mr Chen Xiangqiu on the effects of the new Silk Road, Myanmar’s national development, scope and benefits.
In the second section of the programme, Dr Li Chenyang discussed the achievements and experiences of 70 years of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and China under the heading ‘Myanmar-China Relations from Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Cooperation to the Community of Shared Futures’.
Dr Fan Hongwei also discussed on changes in the bilateral relations, Director U Thein Naing of the Ministry of Information discussed developments to Myanmar’s film industry, and other scholars discussed the transparency in bilateral cooperation, assessment of 70 years of Myanmar-China relations and development.
Next, scholars discussed China-Myanmar education exchange in the third section and cooperation on addressing global and regional challenges in the fourth section of the programme. Scholars and experts from both nations also discussed the framework for bilateral cooperation, sustainable development projects and special economic zone development. As a result of these discussions, agreements were made to promote and strengthen Pauk- Phaw relations between the governments and citizens of both countries, expanding strategic affiliate cooperation, and laying a strong foundation for a society that shares future benefits between Myanmar and China.
Similar discussions such as this summit were held twice in 2019 and also arranged by the Myanmar Affairs Study Group and Institute of Myanmar Studies. This summit is the third to be organized and also aimed to commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Scholars and officials from universities in Beijing, Shamen, Jinan and Yunnan and China Chamber of International Commerce, Hluttaw representatives, officials from Myanmar Peace and Investment Committee, Central Information Committee of the National League for Democracy and its Central Commerce Committee, professors from the Center for Economy, Environment and Society – CEES Myanmar, Yangon University’s History Department, International Relations Department and Yadanarbon University, and officials from Myanmar Affairs Study Group participated in yesterday’s summit.
The Myanmar Affairs Study Group was formed under the Research and Information Division (Yangon), Information and Public Relations Department, under the directive of the Union Minister for Information in July 2006. The group aims to redevelop research activities in Myanmar and publish research-based journals.
Yunnan University established the Institute of Myanmar Studies in December 2015 after reforming the previous Center for Myanmar Studies which was formed in 2011. It is one of two academic bodies for Myanmar studies in the world, with the other one formed in Northern Illinois University in 1986, and the only one of its kind in all of China.
MNA
(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
PHOTO: MNA
Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar