Member of the State Security and Peace Commission and Union Minister for Border Affairs and for Ethnic Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, together with Shan State Chief Minister U Aung Aung, met officials from ethnic literature and culture associations in Taunggyi yesterday morning.

The meeting was attended by officials from the Shan, Pa-O, Danu, Taungyoe, Inntha, Kokang, Kachin, Htanau, Lisu, Yinkya and Yinnet Literature and Culture Associations.

During the meeting, officials reported on the current situation of ethnic cultural and literary activities and regional development needs. The Union Minister coordinated and addressed the requirements as necessary.

In his speech, the Union Minister said that Shan State reflects unity and peaceful coexistence among many ethnic groups. He stressed that each ethnic group must preserve its literature and culture without adversely affecting the cultural traditions of others, noting that ethnic literature and culture associations form a vital grassroots foundation and must mutually respect languages and cultural values. He also urged staff to remain free from party politics and to discharge their duties in accordance with civil service rules.

Afterwards, the Union Minister and the Chief Minister presented cash awards to the ethnic literature and culture associations..

The Union Minister and his party then visited the Shan State Office of the Department of Education and Training under the Ministry of Border Affairs, where the head of Shan State department briefed them on human resource development programmes and the operation of training schools. The Union Minister provided the necessary support, presented cash awards, and inspected staff housing within the compound.

MNA/KZL

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