President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing met Thai National Assembly Acting President Mr Mongkol Surasajja at the Thai Parliament building yesterday morning during his official visit to Thailand at the invitation of Prime Minister Mr Anutin Charnvirakul. Following a warm reception, the signing of the official guestbook, and a commemorative photo session, both leaders led delegation-level discussions, aiming at bolstering parliamentary cooperation, legislative exchanges, and regional ties.

Mr Mongkol Surasajja congratulated the Myanmar delegation on their successful talks and signed Memorandums of Understanding with the Thai Prime Minister. He expressed confidence that joint efforts would enhance regional stability and socioeconomic development, emphasizing Thailand’s eagerness to exchange legislative experiences, deepen parliamentary ties, and strengthen bilateral cooperation. He noted that strong bonds between the two legislatures would serve the long-term mutual interests of both nations and their people.

In response, President U Min Aung Hlaing noted that Myanmar’s parliamentary system, with only fifteen years of experience under multiparty democracy, stands to gain valuable insights from Thailand’s mature legislature. He highlighted several recent political and legislative developments in Myanmar, particularly the implementation of a Mixed-Member Proportional system that combines First-Past-ThePost and Proportional Representation. This hybrid model has significantly expanded parliamentary representation for ethnic, smaller, and independent parties following recent democratic elections. He also pointed to the official launch of the Myanmar-Thailand Parliamentary Friendship Association in July as a key vehicle for ongoing collaboration and growing gender diversity in Myanmar’s governance, where women now comprise roughly 13 per cent of parliamentary seats.

Turning to shared regional issues, the President reaffirmed Myanmar’s commitment to joint environmental initiatives. He noted that Myanmar will continue to address transboundary haze pollution alongside Thailand and Laos under their agreed three-nation framework, while also collaborating on river conservation. Furthermore, he requested Thailand’s continued assistance in safeguarding the legal rights, safety, and welfare of Myanmar migrant workers currently residing across the country.

Concluding the meeting, the President expressed strong optimism that leveraging their respective economic strengths and expanding trade and investment would accelerate socioeconomic growth for both populations. The discussions reaffirmed that closer legislative cooperation will solidify the long-standing friendship between the two parliaments.

Following the talks, the President completed a guided tour of the Thai Parliament building before departing with warm farewells from the Acting President and assembly officials.

MNA/ST

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