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India a ray of hope for mired South-east Asia

As an Asian power aware of the difficulties in engaging with China, India serves as a partner for Southeast Asian countries…reports Asian Lite News

India’s relations with Southeast Asian states have come a long way from estrangement in the 1990s to contemporary strategic engagement since 2014. As a firm acknowledgement of the mutual desire of both sides to expand and deepen their ties, India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) elevated their relations further to a comprehensive strategic partnership in November 2022, Bernama News reported.

However, while India Southeast Asian relations have exponentially improved over the past two decades, the need for New Delhi to pay more attention to the security concerns of Southeast Asian states and consistently operationalize robust cooperative policies beyond rhetoric is crucial for both sides to maximize the potential of their reinvigorated partnership. Southeast Asia serves as a critical avenue for international commerce and power projection. Accordingly, the US-China power competition continues to plague the volatile security architecture of the region, pushing Southeast Asian states to pick sides at the expense of their long-term security interests and developmental trajectory, Bernama News reported.

Consequently, amid ongoing shifts in the distribution of power in the continent, the rise of India as a potential great power and pillar in an emerging multipolar Asia serves as another notable development

While India’s overall material capabilities are still dwarfed by those of the US and China, one cannot disregard the significance of its role as an emerging force in Asian affairs. Being the world’s largest democracy, India’s normative heft, its robust diplomatic networks, and its adherence to strategic autonomy add further value to its importance in Asia’s evolving geopolitical architecture, Bernama News reported.

Additionally, as an Asian power aware of the difficulties in engaging with an assertive China, India serves as a partner for Southeast Asian countries.

From regular high-level meetings to expanding and enhancing cooperation toward maritime security, information sharing, trade, and connectivity, the past few years have witnessed closer and more robust India-Southeast Asian strategic relations. In a diplomatic breakthrough, New Delhi has also become more vocal and active toward the plight of Southeast Asian states in the South China Sea.

In fact, the maiden ASEAN-India maritime exercise will also take place early this year as an Indication of mutual interest from both sides to enhance interoperability and coordination to address emerging regional security issues, Bernama News reported.

Moreover, the region has welcomed a more active role from India as a trusted security provider and capacity builder, given its advantage of presenting itself as a benign and responsible power with no axe to grind and an interest to preserve the rules-based order, while seeking to cooperate based on mutual interests and not bloc politics

Furthermore, the manner in which India has demonstrated political maturity in addressing ongoing international conflicts converges well with the interests and concerns of Southeast Asian states. In fact, both the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPCI) and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) put great emphasis on maintaining inclusivity and ASEAN’s centrality in the region.

However, while India’s engagements with Southeast Asia have considerably deepened and broadened in the past few years, much room remains for India to improve its image and partnership in the region. While a recent ISEAS Institute survey highlighted a more favourable perception towards India, it also indicated how public opinion among Southeast Asian states is still uncertain of New Delhi’s political will to lead. However, such views are understandable given that India’s interaction with Southeast Asia in the past decades was marred with inconsistencies, Bernama News reported.

To address such concerns, India-ASEAN trade and connectivity must be prioritized to bolster New Delhi’s profile in the Southeast Asian region Additionally, given the fault lines occurring within ASEAN brought by external geopolitical factors, India must continue to consistently deepen bilateral and sub-regional modes of cooperation within ASEAN based on shared multi-dimensional interests, concerns and goals.

These practical recommendations will not only allow India to open more channels for engagement in Southeast Asia but also demonstrate its desire to proactively address the sensitivities and concerns harboured by the regional states, Bernama News reported.

As challenges remain, it is important not to discount the overall pattern of India’s Southeast Asian strategic relations over the last two decades. While the depth of India’s relations with Southeast Asia is still outweighed by China, Japan, and the US, the nature of its strategic engagements with Southeast Asian states has undeniably acquired multi-faceted dimensions. Therefore, as India’s material capabilities continue to grow, it will be necessary for New Delhi to translate this into effective and consistent policies toward Southeast Asia. (ANI)

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US to provide $26m in aid to Bangladesh, Myanmar

With this new funding, the US’ total assistance for those affected by the Rakhine State and Rohingya crisis has reached nearly USD 2.1 billion since August 2017..reports Asian Lite News

The US State Department has announced nearly USD 26 million in additional humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, for those people in Burma affected by ongoing violence, and for communities hosting refugees from Burma.

With this new funding, the US’ total assistance for those affected by the Rakhine State and Rohingya crisis has reached nearly USD 2.1 billion since August 2017, when over 7,40,000 Rohingya were forced to flee to safety in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, according to a press statement issued by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday, during the launch of the 2023 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis in Bangladesh.

According to the official press statement, the new funding includes nearly USD 24 million for programs specifically in Bangladesh, providing life-sustaining support to nearly 9,80,000 Rohingya refugees, many of them survivors of genocide, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing, and support to nearly 5,40,000 host community members in Bangladesh.

The assistance, according to Blinken, sees to it that children and young adults have access to education and vocational training, provides families with food and clean water, strengthens sanitation systems to prevent the spread of disease, supports the protection of Rohingya refugees’ human rights and well-being, bolsters disaster preparedness, and helps combat the effects of climate change.

The US urged other donors to contribute robustly to the humanitarian response and increase support to those driven from and affected by violence in Burma.

The United States recognises the generosity of the government and people of Bangladesh and other countries hosting refugees from Burma in the region particularly given that this is the sixth year of this protracted crisis, according to the statement by Blinken.

“We are committed to finding lasting solutions to this crisis, including the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return and reintegration of displaced Rohingya when conditions in Burma allow. An essential step in ending this crisis is ending the military regime’s brutal repression of its people and agreeing to a pathway to an inclusive multiparty democracy. We commend our humanitarian partners for the lifesaving work they continue to do every day,” read the US Department of State press statement.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk recently called for a coordinated regional approach to protect the thousands of desperate Rohingya who risk their lives by undertaking perilous sea voyages.

“More than 2,400 Rohingya have sought to leave Bangladesh and Myanmar in 2022 alone, and I am deeply saddened that over 200 have reportedly lost their lives on the way. Recent reports indicate that overcrowded and unsafe boats carrying Rohingyas have been left to drift for days on end without any help,” Turk said in a statement released by the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner.

“As the crisis at sea continues, I urge countries in the region to put in place a coordination mechanism to ensure proactive search and rescue, the disembarkation of Rohingya refugees on their territories, and their effective protection,” he added, noting that some States had already provided assistance.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights called on countries in the region and globally to help Bangladesh support the over one million Rohingya refugees who have sought protection there since 2017.

“Clearly, an urgent solution must be found to enable the voluntary return of all Rohingya, with full respect for their dignity and human rights as full and equal citizens of Myanmar,” he added. (ANI)

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Laos gearing up for 2024 ASEAN summit

Laos will assume the chairmanship from January 1 to December 31, 2024…reports Asian Lite News

Preparations are underway for Laos to host the next ASEAN summit in 2024, with a national-level meeting convened at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss the arrangements, local media reported on Friday.

The meeting was chaired by Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Xinhua news agency quoted local daily Vientiane Times as saying.

A national committee, responsible for arranging accommodations and vehicles, preparing the summit venue, delegating duties to officials, preparing a budget, and deciding on the content of the summit, has reviewed the preparations to date.

Accordingly, some 14 sub-committees have been appointed to supervise preparations for the summit.

They will be responsible for arranging meeting venues, readying hotels and restaurants, putting up promotional materials around capital Vientiane, repairing roads, and ensuring communication systems.

The Ministries of Foreign Affairs; Industry and Commerce; and Information, Culture and Tourism have been entrusted to prepare the contents and agenda of the summit.

The focus of discussions will be the three pillars of the ASEAN Community, namely the ASEAN Political-Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community, and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, when Laos will assume the chair of ASEAN in 2024, said the daily report.

Laos will assume the chairmanship from January 1 to December 31, 2024.

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Thailand, Malaysia join hands for economic recovery

The economy was a top priority for both leaders, who discussed cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure in the Thai-Malaysian border areas…reports Asian Lite News

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have announced deepening collaboration to hasten economic recovery.

The two leaders met on Thursday during Anwar’s two-day official visit, which is part of his introductory tour to the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and his first visit to Thailand since taking office as Malaysia’s Prime Minister late last year.

The economy was a top priority for both leaders, who discussed cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure in the Thai-Malaysian border areas, as well as in new areas such as digitalisation, energy and food safety, Xinhua news agency reported.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Prayut said both parties agreed to enhance the multifaceted cooperation to boost the economy and work towards a bilateral trade target of $30 billion by 2025 through increased trade and reduced barriers.

According to the joint press statement, the two leaders exchanged views on common concerns regarding international and regional challenges and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding ASEAN Centrality and collaborating to overcome global geo-political and socio-economic changes.

They further stressed the importance of speeding up ongoing projects, especially those enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activities between the two countries.

Both sides also discussed intensifying efforts to establish linkages between the Special Economic Zones in the border areas to promote long-term investment, and economic and social development.

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Myanmar: Emergence of a Narco-state?

Myanmar is a key link in the global opium supply chain and is part of what is considered as the Golden Triangle. Golden Triangle consists of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos and is one of the most important nodes in the opium trade, writes Sankalp Gurjar

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has recently released its latest report on the opium production in Myanmar. As per the report, poppy cultivation has increased after the military coup in 2021. The increase in production is caused by two primary shocks: the economic downturn triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and the military coup.

The isolation of, and instability in, Myanmar after the military coup has incentivised farmers to rely more and more on poppy cultivation. The report notes that it is seen as the safe insurance crop against the backdrop of political and economic uncertainty. The worsening economic outlook has enhanced the role of poppy in Myanmar’s economy. Furthermore, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its aftershocks on global energy, food and fertilizer prices have aggravated the situation.

The growing poppy cultivation presents a security challenge not just for Myanmar but also its neighbours including India. Even the report notes that, “East and Southeast Asia-fanning out from the upper Mekong region across ASEAN countries, to Australia and New Zealand, Japan and the Republic of Korea, as well as India and Bangladesh – is set to continue to face a significant expansion in the illicit supply of drugs.”

Myanmar is a key link in the global opium supply chain and is part of what is considered as the Golden Triangle. Golden Triangle consists of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos and is one of the most important nodes in the opium trade. Apart from the production, Myanmar offers overland as well as sea routes for the transport of opium. Interestingly, as per the UNODC report, the production areas of Myanmar’s poppy cultivation are located close to the international frontiers with India, China, and Thailand. For example, Chin and Kachin states which are located across India’s Northeast have reported an increase in production.

As a result, India finds itself in an unenviable situation where two countries in the neighbourhood are increasing the production and supplies of opium. Just like Myanmar, Afghanistan under the Taliban has reported an increase in poppy cultivation. Makran coast (of Iran and Pakistan) has emerged as a major supply conduit for drugs. The increased poppy cultivation in the neighbourhood has implications for India’s counter-narcotics efforts, coastal security, and local policing.

Meanwhile, as the military in Myanmar keeps reins of power in its hands, the international isolation of the regime will only contribute in the making of Myanmar as a narco-state. The war between rebels, known as People’s Defence Force, and the military will mean Myanmar will remain unstable and volatile. In this context, the influence of China and Russia is increasing in Naypyidaw after the coup as the West and regional players have turned their back on Myanmar.

Manipur confronts Myanmar narco trade, rampant poppy cultivation


India’s concerns

Although India has not turned its back on Myanmar after the military coup, the evolving politico-military situation is proving to be a challenge. Earlier this month, Myanmar’s Air Force, while targeting rebels, dropped bombs in Indian territory. This incident could have caused deep embarrassment to Myanmar, but India has chosen to downplay it. India maintained that Myanmar’s Air Force has not violated Indian airspace.

The issue of Burmese refugees had become a challenge for India’s North-eastern States bordering Myanmar. Estimates about the exact number of Burmese refugees vary. There are about 30,000 Chin refugees in Mizoram along the southern districts that border Myanmar whereas in Manipur, there are about 5000-10,000 refugees. The refugee influx from Myanmar has become a thorny issue between the Union Home ministry and Mizoram government.

In the Northeast, refugee flows from neighbouring countries and its impact on local demographics are a politically sensitive matter. To complicate matters further, four North-eastern states (Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, and Mizoram) will go to polls this year. Of the four, Nagaland, Tripura, and Mizoram border Myanmar. Therefore, the situation in Myanmar assumes importance from the point of view of border management, refugee flows and internal security of the North-eastern states.

In this context, India has no option but to engage with the military regime of Myanmar. So far, India has prioritized its security interests over the prospects for democracy in Myanmar. The increased poppy cultivation underscores the need for engaging with the Burmese regime. As the military takeover of Myanmar completes two years and the spectre of continuing instability looms large, India is likely to continue the same approach.

Indian agencies intensify action

Central and state law enforcement agencies in Mizoram have decided to work in a close coordination to deal with the smuggling of various drugs, explosive materials, exotic animals and other contrabands from neighbouring Myanmar, officials said here on Thursday.

According to the officials, Mizoram’s 510 km unfenced international border with Myanmar, especially the bordering Champhai district, is a major hotspot of smuggling.

An Assam Rifles official said that senior officials of Mizoram Police, Assam Rifles, Customs and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) held a day-long meeting on Wednesday and finalised some joint strategies to curb the clandestine trade of drugs and other contrabands from across the border.

The meeting was chaired by Mizoram’s Director General of Police (DGP) Devesh Chandra Srivastva, Assam Rifles Deputy Inspector General Brigadier Girish Upadhya and Deputy Inspector General of Mizoram police (training) L.R. Dingliana Sailo.

The official said that the main purpose of the meeting was to foster greater synergy, enhanced cooperation and unhindered coordination between Mizoram Police, Assam Rifles, Customs and DRI for the greater benefit of the society.

DGP Srivastva emphasised that the close coordination of all sister agencies and the local population are utmost important to enhance and strengthen the overall law enforcement system for the greater benefit of society.

BrigadierUpadhya also stressed on the recent increasing trend of smuggling of narcotics and war-like stores which adversely affects the locals and may even have other far reaching effects in future.

He requested all agencies to work with enhanced cooperation and assist Assam Rifles in its war against all illegal activities, for which all required support and assistance would be provided.

Heroin and highly addictive methamphetamine tablets, also commonly known as ‘Yaba’, foreign origin cigarettes, poppy seeds, opium, marijuana, morphine, bottles of cough syrup are often seized in Mizoram, Manipur, Assam and other northeastern states which are smuggled from Myanmar.

Besides illicit drugs, a variety of other contrabands like gold, as well as arms and ammunition, huge numbers of exotic animals, areca nuts are often smuggled from Myanmar to the northeastern states, especially Mizoram and Manipur.

Myanmar: Emergence of a Narco-state on India’s Eastern Borders?(IN)

Poppy seeds recovered in Assam

The troops of Assam Rifles apprehended one person and seized 10 cases of foreign-origin cigarettes as well as 100 bags of poppy seeds worth Rs 1.65 crore in Mizoram’s Champhai district.

Serchhip Battalion of 23 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of Inspector General Assam Rifles (East), on Tuesday, recovered 10 cases of foreign origin cigarettes and 100 bags of poppy seeds worth Rs 1.65 crore at Zotlang village (Zokhawthar-Champai Road). Security personnel also apprehended one person.

A senior official of Assam Rifles said that the operation was carried out by a joint team of Assam Rifles and Custom Preventive Force, Champhai based on specific information.

“The operation was carried out by a combined team of Assam Rifles and Customs Department, Champhai based on specific information. The joint team noticed the movement of a suspected vehicle. The vehicle was intercepted by Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) and spot checking was carried out, during the search 10 Cases of Foreign origin Cigarettes and 100 bags of Poppy seeds worth Rs. 1.65 Crore were recovered,” officials added.

The approximate cost of the recovered seized items was Rs 1.65 Crore. The seized consignment and apprehended individual were later handed over to Customs Department, Champhai Wednesday for further legal proceedings.

The ongoing smuggling of illegal items is a major cause of concern for the state of Mizoram.

Assam Rifles, rightly christened as the ‘Sentinels of Northeast’ have continued their efforts against the smuggling activities in Mizoram.

(Including reports from India Narrative, IANS , ANI)

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India warms up to Cambodia during visit of top General

In a region where China continues to wield its influence, 45-year-old Hun Manet is expected to play the role of a key decision-maker in the times to come…reports Asian Lite News

A new chapter has begun in the two millennia relationship between India and Cambodia as Lieutenant General Hun Manet, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, wrapped up a significant three-day visit to New Delhi on Saturday. 

With Cambodia being an important interlocutor and a good partner in the context of India’s ‘Act East’ policy – also the ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region – the maiden visit to India by any Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army could be path-breaking in bilateral and army-to-army relations between the two countries.

Over the past decade or so, China has made an all-out effort to cultivate Cambodia–a move that New Delhi has noticed with some discomfort.

On Saturday, the Cambodian General visited the Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre at Delhi Cantt, where he not only witnessed the training of Agniveers but also had a look at a wide range of indigenous military equipment.

He later called on Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan with discussions focusing on key regional developments, issues of mutual interest and avenues for strengthening defence cooperation

Hun Manet spent Friday holding a series of meetings with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri and Indian Army chief General Manoj Pande.

In a region where China continues to wield its influence, 45-year-old Hun Manet is expected to play the role of a key decision-maker in the times to come.

The first Cambodian to graduate from the US Military Academy at West Point, Hun Manet is the eldest son of Hun Sen who has been the country’s Prime Minister since 1985.

Even though the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), as recently as last week’s National Congress meeting, has not declared him as the official PM candidate for this year’s elections, Hun Manet is widely touted as the ‘energetic next-generation leader’ who is important for Cambodia’s future.

However, analysts believe that power transition through generation shift – based on an electoral vote, and not violence, this time around – is not too far away in the Southeast Asian nation with the oldest of Hun Sen’s six children set to continue his father’s legacy.

“Everybody knows Hun Manet from cities to rural areas, and even overseas. And for a party as big as the CPP, it needs a strong leadership figure with a sweeping popularity of that scale to compete and win in elections,” Phnom Penh’s leading daily Khmer Times stated in a three-part editorial a few months ago.

New Delhi, which saw the rising son follow in his father’s footsteps long ago, has highly appreciated Hun Manet’s skillful leadership, particularly in paving the way for practical cooperation between the Armed Forces of the two countries.

In November, the Cambodian General paid a courtesy call to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh when he was in Cambodia’s Siem Reap for the maiden India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting and the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus).

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Martial law declared in 37 Myanmar towns

The move came one day after the country extended the state of emergency for six more months….reports Asian Lite News

Myanmar’s State Administration Council has declared martial law in 37 towns of four regions and four states in the Southeast Asian country.

According to the council’s orders issued Thursday night, the 37 towns are 11 from Sagaing region, seven from Chin state, five each from Magway and Bago regions, four from Kayah state, two each from Taninthayi region and Kayin state and one from Mon state respectively, Xinhua news agency reported.

The council gave the administrative and judicial power to commanders of respective military commands to perform security, maintain the rule of law and tranquility, the council said in a statement.

The move came one day after the country extended the state of emergency for six more months.

ALSO READ: Myanmar junta extends state of emergency

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Myanmar junta extends state of emergency

Regarding the election, the junta chief said that the country was still not ready for that as they don’t have an ‘accurate’ voter list and ‘free’ polls…reports Asian Lite News

Myanmar’s National Defence and Security Council (NDSC), on Tuesday, decided to extend the country’s state of emergency, to delay the election Myanmar Now reported.

According to Myanmar’s News Agency, military junta chief Min Aung Hlaing submitted a report to council members reflecting on two years of military rule as required by the army-drafted 2008 Constitution, which he used to rationalise his claim to power on February 1, 2021, when he staged a coup. Military-governed Myanmar declared a state of emergency for a year when it took power and has since extended it twice for six months each time. The most recent one expires on Wednesday.

In the notice, Section 425 states that “if the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services submits the extension of the prescribed duration by giving reasons why he has not been able to accomplish the assigned duties,” the NDSC can “normally permit two extensions of the prescribed duration for a term of six months for each extension,” according to Myanmar Now.

In the official announcement, Min Aung Hlaing repeated his justification for the coup, citing unfounded allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 general elections in which the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) won a landslide victory.

Regarding the election, the junta chief said that the country was still not ready for that as they don’t have an ‘accurate’ voter list and ‘free’ polls, since nearly half of the more than 300 townships in Myanmar lack security and stability.

“We need to hold a general election in all states and regions simultaneously and we can’t do it in one place after another,” Min Aung Hlaing said, adding, “It is not enough to [hold it] only in urban areas,” Myanmar Now quoted the military junta chief as saying.

Meanwhile, Myanmar’s ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Kyaw Moe Tun said that the military regime has no legal authority, and its plans to seek legitimacy by having a national election is likely ‘a sham’. (ANI)

The military has “no kind of legal authority”, said Mr Kyaw Moe Tun in an interview with CNA.

“They are illegal. They are illegitimate,” he said, adding, “So whatever the election they are going to organise, the people will definitely not accept it. So that is why we always say that this election they are going to organise is a sham election.”

Cabinet reshuffle

Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC) announced a cabinet reshuffle after the country’s state of emergency was extended for six more months on Wednesday.

Under the cabinet reshuffle, a new chairman for the Union Civil Services Board, a new chairman for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and four new Chief Ministers of region and states were appointed, Xinhua news agency reported.

A Deputy Minister and a member of the Union Election Commission (UEC) were transferred, while the State Chief Minister, three members of the UEC, a Deputy Minister and a member of the ACC were relieved of duties.

The newly-reshuffled cabinet, which includes most of the former cabinet members, will be led by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

A central advisory body of the State Administration Council, which includes a leader and eight members, was also formed by the SAC on Wednesday. (ANI/IANS)

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Myanmar announces Cabinet reshuffle

The newly-reshuffled cabinet, which includes most of the former cabinet members, will be led by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services…reports Asian Lite News

Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC) announced a cabinet reshuffle after the country’s state of emergency was extended for six more months on Wednesday.

Under the cabinet reshuffle, a new chairman for the Union Civil Services Board, a new chairman for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and four new Chief Ministers of region and states were appointed, Xinhua news agency reported.

A Deputy Minister and a member of the Union Election Commission (UEC) were transferred, while the State Chief Minister, three members of the UEC, a Deputy Minister and a member of the ACC were relieved of duties.

The newly-reshuffled cabinet, which includes most of the former cabinet members, will be led by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

A central advisory body of the State Administration Council, which includes a leader and eight members, was also formed by the SAC on Wednesday.

Myanmar’s National Defence and Security Council on Wednesday extended the state of emergency for six more months, and then the state power was handed over to General Min Aung Hlaing.

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As ASEAN chair, Indonesia set to focus on regional ties

Indonesian President Joko Widodo kicked off on Sunday the country’s 2023 ASEAN chairmanship…reports Asian Lite News

As the 2023 ASEAN chair, Indonesia has aimed to push for more concrete and inclusive cooperation among countries in the region, said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

“We want to show the world that ASEAN is relevant and important for all regions and countries across the globe. Besides, we should be confident because the economy in Southeast Asia will still be more stable and grow faster than the global economy,” Marsudi added in a hearing with the country’s parliament in Jakarta on Monday.

India, ASEAN nations to strengthen relations over post-covid recovery, commerce and connectivity.(photo:IN)

He said during its ASEAN chairmanship, Indonesia would hold a flagship event that would discuss the creative economy, digital economy for sustainable development goals, infrastructure development, as well as inclusive business and investment, Xinhua news agency reported.

“We want ASEAN to uphold the principle of development inclusiveness so that no country would feel excluded or left behind, because such insecurity can trigger or maintain rivalry among countries in the region,” Marsudi added.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo kicked off on Sunday the country’s 2023 ASEAN chairmanship, with the theme of “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”.

Widodo suggested that Indonesia, as Southeast Asia’s largest economy, should foster initiatives and concrete steps to solve crucial regional issues and lead member states to contribute to the world amid the current challenging situation.

ASEAN will continue to maintain economic growth, peace and stability in the region, he said.

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