NAYPYIDAW, April 10 — Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing today said his new government has many challenges to overcome and will seek to enhance international relations and normalise ties with ASEAN.
In his inauguration address to parliament, the former junta chief said peace and democracy is his priority, and his government will spur foreign investment, develop agriculture and form effective, long-term strategic plans.
Min Aung Hlaing was elected president by parliament a week ago, formalising his grip on political power in war-torn Myanmar five years after he led a coup that sent the nation spiraling into chaos.
His carefully choreographed journey from top general to civilian president follows a recent election won in a landslide by an army-backed party but derided by critics and Western governments as a sham designed to perpetuate military rule behind a veneer of democracy.
The coup and ensuing crackdown by a military under his command led to an intervention by ASEAN, which later barred the junta leadership from attending its summits.
“Myanmar is now well on its way towards democracy but the new government has a lot of challenges to overcome,” Min Aung Hlaing said in a speech here, which lasted less than 20 minutes and was attended by more than 50 foreign guests.
“The new government will implement a roadmap based on democracy and federalism ... our priorities are democracy and peace.
“We will enhance international relations and strive to restore normal relations with ASEAN,” Min Aung Hlaing later said.
