YOUNG singers Hlwan Paing and G Fatt will host a Pre-Water Festival in Judson at Judson Entertainment Bar in Mingala Taungnyunt Township, Yangon Region, according to singer Hlwan Paing.
The concert will take place on 29 and 30 March at Judson’s Indoor & Outdoor Area and will be held in the festive spirit of Thingyan, Myanmar’s traditional water festival.
“The event will run for two days. On Day 1, G Fatt will perform, while on Day 2, I will be there for the entire day. The venue will be fully equipped with a water system, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the full Thingyan experience. This Pre-Thingyan Day Event will recreate the festive atmosphere of the actual water festival, so we invite everyone to come, enjoy the water play, and listen to music,” said Hlwan Paing.
The Pre-Water Festival in Judson will feature performances by Hlwan Paing and G Fatt, supported by the Judson Band, alongside DJs and renowned dancers. — ASH/MKKS

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Urgent action needed for river conservation

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing underlined that regional governments and administrative bodies need to restrict activities of environmental impacts along both sides of rivers and creeks.
Chairman of the National Water Resources Committee Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivered a speech at the ceremony to mark World Water Day at MICC II in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said that although Myanmar does not have significant glaciers, the glaciers which originate on the Khakaborazi mountain range and Tibet Plateau partially supply water to the Ayeyawady River in Myanmar. He recounted that experts estimated Kachin State would face a 2.5 degrees centigrade rise in 2100 due to global warming, indicating total loss of glaciers as a threat posed to Myanmar’s future freshwater sources.
He retold that Myanmar suffered impacts of climate change with flash floods in the monsoon of 2024, mostly in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, Kachin State, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady regions and Shan State.
As such, he continued that it is necessary to follow Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) adopted by the United Nations.
The Senior General added that a water resources exploration body was formed on 7 March 2022 to measure the current rate of water in the Ayeyawady, Chindwin, Sittoung and Thanlwin rivers and observe water courses and volume of water. Such a body submits reports on the progress of water resources to the Union government.

Currently, he noted that sandbanks in the Ayeyawady and Chindwin rivers become barriers in waterway transport. The conservation of river courses is in a critical state and needs to be addressed urgently. He stressed that regional governments and administrative bodies need to restrict activities with environmental impacts along both sides of rivers and creeks.
The Senior General underscored that water management is important to ensure water security in the future by raising public awareness of good water management practices and good water utilization practices. He highlighted that this year’s World Water Day theme, “Glaciers Preservation,” emphasizes the importance of ensuring long-term water abundance and reducing water-related natural disasters in Myanmar. To achieve this, it is necessary to collaborate among relevant departments and organizations, leverage advancing technologies, and engage public participation to maintain and conserve our water resources.
He instructed that efforts should be made to strategically manage and sustainably utilize existing freshwater resources. Universities and research centres have to continue studies and awareness initiatives that promote the water sector. To secure future water sufficiency for the nation, individuals have to enhance water management systems using advanced techniques and improve the sector through persistent efforts.
To support the country’s freshwater sources, the Senior General continued to say that it is necessary to take action to ensure the long-term sustainability of existing glaciers and ice-capped mountains. All citizens must work together in the water management sector to establish a systematic, equitable, and sustainable use of water resources, benefiting both present and future generations.
The Senior General presented first, second and third prizes to winners in the open article contest to mark World Water Day 2025.
Vice-Chairman of the National Water Resouces Committee Deputy Prime Minister Union Minister for Transport and Communications General Mya Tun Oo gave prizes to winners in the amateur-level article contest.
The Senior General and attendees watched a documentary video on World Water Day 2025.
The Senior General visited the photo gallery at relevant booths in honouring the World Water Day 2025. Also, present at the ceremony were Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, council members, Union ministers, the Nay Pyi Taw Council chairman, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the Nay Pyi Taw Command commander and deputy ministers together with chief ministers of regions and states through videoconferencing. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

A Japanese panel of experts issued guidance to greater Tokyo residents on Friday in the event Mount Fuji erupts, telling them to stay indoors unless the ashfall becomes severe.
The guidelines were issued to the region’s more than 44 million residents by experts, convened by the Cabinet Office. The panel also called on municipalities and households to maintain emergency supplies like food and water in case the 3,776-metre volcano were to erupt.
Mount Fuji last erupted in 1707. In the worst-case scenario, a massive eruption of Japan’s highest peak could spew 30 centimetres of ash (nearly 12 inches) or more over Tokyo, about 100 kilometres (62 miles) northeast of the volcano, the panel said.
This amount of ashfall could destroy wooden houses, particularly if combined with rain, the report said, urging residents to evacuate in such cases.
Even with less severe ashfall, damage to large buildings is expected, like school gyms that are often used as evacuation centres, the report said. — AFP

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

It is imperative to fight fake news, develop the art of propagating via media and counter efforts to exert foreign influence.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing noted that it is necessary to emphasize more flexible and good adaptation in the age of a multipolar world to be able to conduct diplomatic relations through the use of practical approaches.
The opening ceremony of the Challenges and the Opportunities Myanmar Will Have in the Multipolar World Beyond 2025 took place at the Myanmar International Convention Centre I in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning, with an address by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Foreign experts were introduced individually. The forum was opened with the song and dance of artistes from the Fine Arts Department. Attendees watched a video clip on Myanmar and new landscapes in 2025.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said: The world has undergone a paradigm shift to a multipolar world order. Just as we are witnessing the changes in the patterns by which the superpowers exert their influence on international relations, we are also beholding the increasingly important role of the regional blocs. In other words, the paradigm has been shifted from globalization to regionalization.
Previously, the world was dominated by only one superpower but now the pattern has been shifted from solitary dominance to collective leadership of many nations and blocs. This is what we now know as the multipolar world order. Nations such as China, India and Russia and a bloc like the European Union have developed by leaps and bounds and they are challenging the domination of the world by the superpowers.
Nowadays, the power is diverging to many nations and certain regional blocs, thereby striking a proper balance between and among the nations, depriving the world of power imbalance. At the same time, the influential nations are bent more on struggling to exert influence than on resolution of the international issues.
Under the multipolar world order, nations will be required to adapt themselves to suit the new geopolitical and geoeconomic conditions. To be able to fit into the transformational process comfortably and conveniently, the nations are required to make preparations and formulate the proper strategy.

In the first place, the strategic autonomy is needed. It is essential for the nations to avoid depending too much upon an individual superpower, extending the relations with the friend nations. Then only, decision-making will be flexible and the unnecessary pressures can be resisted with the synergic forces of the friends. The term friends refers not only to the nations but also to the regional blocs.
In extending relations with friends, it is essential to formulate arrangements that will develop sustainably. The ties shall be further strengthened in economic, security and technological fields. Concerning economic relations in particular, we all need to adapt ourselves to suit the changing situations in the new world order.
Plus, we must reduce overdependence on one market only. It is necessary to extend the trade relations to diversified regions. To be able to mitigate the losses that can arise from the global disruption, the regional economic integration is indispensable. Participation is imperative to strengthen the regional supply chains. To ensure the safety of the national interests, emphasis is to be laid upon investments in such major sectors as food, energy and technology.
And what is more, technology and digital sovereignty are also the two sectors which are worth investing in. Technology has become a fundamental sector in the competition of the multipolar world order. Such particular technologies as Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors and cybersecurity are the determining technologies. This being so, it is indispensable to keep strategic technological partners to cooperate in such sectors as artificial intelligence and the digital economy.
We ought to be more flexible and good at adaptation in the age of a multipolar world to be able to conduct diplomatic relations through the use of practical approaches.
Another sector which is worth considering seriously is energy and resource security. Exploration and exploitation of energy, water and rare metals have become vitally important to sustainable stability. We must therefore make investments in renewable energy, nuclear and other energy sectors. Arrangements are to be made to ensure a sufficient supply of rare metals and food security which can be disrupted by geopolitical causes.
Concerning the sociocultural sector, internal stability has become important as the power dynamic is shifting fast in the age of a multipolar world. It is imperative to fight fake news, develop the art of propagating via media and counter efforts to exert foreign influence. With the swift changes in the global economy, we have to invest in human resources to go along with the tide to survive. I would like to point out that the workforce needs to be properly educated and trained.
This forum will involve discussions and suggestions by seasoned experts from China, India, Russia, Thailand, Nepal, Japan and Italy, and so, this forum will contribute a lot towards turning Myanmar into a modern, developed nation beyond 2025. Your experts are expected to provide guidance, ways of showing and strategies for Myanmar.
And the international experts will witness the real situation while in Myanmar. I hope you will witness the true image of our country which is totally different from the distorted images through the use of fake and false news and views.
The Senior General expressed his recognition and appreciation to the Ministry of Information and the “Myanmar Narrative Think Tank” for their timely efforts in organizing this important discussion.
He said he wished for Myanmar to be connected with the international community while accurately representing its true image and fostering stronger friendships and mutual understanding.
The Senior General continued his discussions, saying that Myanmar and its neighbouring countries have a population of nearly four billion, accounting for approximately 50 per cent of the world’s population. This presents a strong market for exporting the country’s goods. Therefore, it is essential to effectively utilize the available resources within the country and strive to maximize their inherent value.
The armed conflict remains like an inextinguishable fire, not due to internal affairs alone but because of foreign encouragement and interference. As a result, Myanmar, despite having many opportunities, has lagged in development. These challenges can be transformed into opportunities and advantages, which ultimately contribute to fostering a love for our country, nurturing the Myanmar spirit, and building unity and strength. Without unity, no economic system can succeed, and no political system can firmly lead the nation.

Only when stability and peace are maintained will foreign investments flow into the country. It is necessary to provide guarantees for investment activities. This, in turn, will lead to the growth of the country’s GDP and the overall development of the economy. He said he is striving to continue advancing a multiparty democratic system that aligns with the will of the people and the country’s foundations. Moreover, the legitimate demands of ethnic groups are addressed in accordance with the law.
The Senior General presented medals to mark the forum to foreign experts and scholars.
Experts in geopolitics and geoeconomics from China, Russia, India, Japan, Thailand, Italy, and Nepal, along with local experts, participated in discussions on three topics “The Role of Myanmar and Asia in a Changing Geopolitical World”, “Geoeconomic Challenges and Promising Opportunities Myanmar will face beyond 2025”, and “Geopolitical Challenges and Promising Opportunities for Myanmar Beyond 2025”.
The opening ceremony of the forum was also attended by Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, council members, Union ministers, union-level dignitaries, Ambassadors of foreign embassies to Myanmar and officials, the Nay Pyi Taw Council chairman, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and deputy ministers.
The discussion forum was reportedly held to inform the world about Myanmar’s actual situation amid political transitions, fostering understanding and cooperation with Myanmar through empathy, countering false accusations to enhance the country’s image and preparing for the challenges and opportunities that may arise in the evolving multipolar world beyond 2025. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Myanmar, Russia to advance deals from State visit

At the meeting, the Senior General and the Russian Ambassador frankly exchanged views on achieving success in the enhancement of friendly relations and cooperation during the official State visit of the Senior General to the Russian Federation, continuous implementation of the agreements signed during the official State visit of the Senior General, and more plans to continue discussions over remnant topics.
They also discussed the plans to promote cooperation in Hluttaw affairs between Myanmar and the Russian Federation and sending delegations to Hluttaws in the Russian Federation, promotion of cooperation in defence and humanitarian issues as well as other sectors, and exchange of goodwill visits between the two countries.
Also, present at the meeting were Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Lwin Oo. The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Myanmar was accompanied by the Military Attaché of the Russian Federation to Myanmar and officials. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

UNION Minister for Ministry 2 at the Office of the State Administration Council Chairman U Ko Ko Hlaing received Mr Arnaud de Baecque, Resident Representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), yesterday morning at the parlour of the Office of the State Administration Council in Nay Pyi Taw.
Both sides exchanged views on humanitarian assistance matters and existing and ongoing activities of ICRC in Myanmar. Officials from the Office of the State Administration Council were present at the meeting.— MNA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

THE ‘168 Hours’ movie is set to be released in mid-March in major cinemas across the country, according to actor Khin Hlaing, who stars in the film.
The storyline and script were written by Thet Oo Maung, while Min Ko Soe (Natthankwin) worked on the shooting script. The film was directed by Ei (Aryone Oo) and Ko Zaw (Aryone Oo) under Bo Bo Film.
“This film offers a mix of thriller, romance, adventure, and comedy,” said Khin Hlaing. “In this movie, I play the role of Zin Min Htike, a character who becomes a wandering spirit without realising he has died. The title ‘168 Hours’ may seem unusual, but it reflects a belief of Myanmar people — after a person passes away, they must leave their home after seven days, which equals 168 hours. It is unique, so the audience will surely like it.”
The cast includes Academy Myint Myat and Kaung Myat San, alongside Min Phone Myat, Khin Hlaing, Joker, Academy Melody, Yadana Bo, Wai Lar Ri, Hla Myo Thinzar Nwe, and many more. — ASH/MKKS

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Skopje March 16At least 59 people have died, and over 100 others have been hospitalized after a devastating fire broke out on Sunday at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, local media reported.Authorities believe the blaze was sparked by pyro-technic effects that ignited the venue's flammable ceiling material, causing the flames and thick smoke to spread rapidly. Video footage circulating online shows the ceiling engulfed in fire as people scramble to escape.Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski confirmed that 18 of the injured are in critical condition. Among those hospitalized is Vladimir Blazevski, a member of the performing hip-hop group DNK, who sustained burns but remains in stable condition.Police have detained one suspect and issued arrest warrants for four others, including the club's owner. Investigators are focusing on possible safety violations and negligence. 

Source: Myawady Newspaper

I am on official State visits at the invitation of President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, and President of Belarus Aleksandr Gregoryevich Lukashenko. Since these are official invitations, the visit is highly beneficial for our country. During the trip, we had extensive discussions and collaborations in various sectors between our two nations.
In particular, we focused on economic cooperation. Moreover, we emphasized expanding tourism sector. We also discussed cooperation in education, science and technology, healthcare, sports, culture, law, and defence. Moreover, I had the opportunity to explain Myanmar’s political developments, which were fully acknowledged and accepted by both nations. Next, I also explained the situation regarding the upcoming election. When I explained it, they expressed their support and commitment by sending representatives to observe the election process.
The best part is that this meeting helped build a great deal of trust between both sides. I have seen that not only Russia and Belarus but also the people in those countries have developed a keen interest in Myanmar. This is a positive sign for the future of our country. Moreover, I have stated that we will hold a multiparty democratic election, and we are committed to making this happen. If we truly desire a multiparty democratic system, we should not just engage in arguments but rather work together in collaboration. If we do that, our country is bound to succeed. I firmly believe in this, and I am confident in saying so. To the people, this is my stance—I want to say this clearly. I strongly believe that everything will be successful. I also wish good health and prosperity to all. May everyone work together to achieve progress in all aspects. If you truly believe in a multiparty democracy, I urge everyone to cooperate and participate. Thank you very much.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing paid official State visits to the Russian Federation at the invitation of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and to the Republic of Belarus at the invitation of President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Gregoryevich Lukashenko and left Tolmachevo Airport of Novosibirsk, the Russian Federation, yesterday afternoon. The Senior General and party were seen off at the airport by Governor of Novosibirsk Mr Travnikov Andrey Alexandrovich, Myanmar Ambassador to the Russian Federation U Thit Linn Ohn, the Myanmar Consul-General and officials.

The Senior General was accompanied by Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Council member General Nyo Saw, Union Ministers U Than Swe, Admiral Moe Aung, Dr Kan Zaw, U Ko Ko Lwin and Dr Myo Thein Kyaw, Chief Minister of Bago Region U Myo Swe Win, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, deputy ministers, military and civilian officials.
On 4 March during the visits to the Russian Federation and Belarus, the Senior General met Russian Federation President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, Speaker of Hluttaw and officials from the Government of the Russian Federation to talk about relevant sectors and attended the Myanmar-Russia Business Forum. Moreover, the Senior General opened the Myanmar Consulates-General in Saint Petersburg and Novosibirsk. The high-level Myanmar goodwill delegation signed the agreements between two governments of Myanmar and Russia and memoranda of understanding on cooperation in economy and conducted the enhancement of friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries.
On 7 March, the Senior General held talks with Belarusian President Aleksandr Gregoryevich Lukashenko, the Speaker of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly and officials of the Belarusian Government and delivered a speech at the Myanmar-Belarus Business Summit. Moreover, the Myanmar delegation signed the agreements between two governments and MoU on economic cooperation.
On the way back to Myanmar, the Senior General replied to queries raised by media aboard the special aeroplane. On arrival back at the Nay Pyi Taw Tatmadaw Airport yesterday evening, the high-level Myanmar goodwill delegation led by the Senior General was welcomed back by SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Council Secretary General Aung Lin Dwe, council members, Union ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command, officials from the Embassy of the Russian Federation to Myanmar and the Military Attaché Office.
The Myanmar delegation led by the Senior General left Nay Pyi Taw and visited Novosibirsk, Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Samara of the Russian Federation, as well as Minsk in the Republic of Belarus. During its visit, the delegation experienced temperatures ranging from -2 to -12 degrees Celsius (cold conditions) due to the climatic differences between Myanmar and these countries.
The total round-trip distance covered was over 10,000 miles. Ethnic children, the band, pompom dance troupes, traditional dance troupes, artistes and residents took positions from the ladder of the aeroplane to the VIP lounge of the airport and the roundabout to the Tatmadaw Airport to welcome back the high-level Myanmar delegation led by the Senior General for praising his efforts during the trip day and night to grasp opportunities of cooperation between the people and businesspersons in enhancement of agriculture, economic, trade, academic and tourism sectors with these countries for the sake of Myanmar. They welcomed back and honoured the Myanmar delegation with loud cheers and great enthusiasm by holding the vinyl posters bearing “May the friendship between Russia and Myanmar be long-lasting.
May the comprehensive strategic cooperation between Russia and Myanmar continue to expand across various sectors. We warmly welcome Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the SAC and Prime Minister, for his efforts in strengthening Russia-Myanmar relations. May Russia and Myanmar always stand together in friendship.
May Myanmar-Russia cooperation achieve lasting success. May Belarus-Myanmar friendship be enduring and strong. Warmly welcome to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who has endeavoured for the all-round development of Myanmar in addition to a heartfelt welcome to the Prime Minister and delegation, and strengthening Russia-Myanmar friendship.”
They also waved miniature flags of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus and chanted “May Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who is striving for the nation, religion, and faith be in good health. May the Russia-Myanmar friendship and the Belarus-Myanmar friendship be long-lasting and strong. May they be firm and enduring.”
On arrival back at the airport, Leader of the Information Team of the State Administration Council Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun who accompanied the Senior General replied to questions raised by media.—MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar