THE opening ceremony of the 31st ASEAN Transport Ministers’ Meeting and associated meetings was held yesterday morning at the Jasmine Naypyitaw Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw, where Prime Minister U Nyo Saw delivered a speech.

The meeting was attended by Union Minister for Transport and Communications U Mya Tun Oo, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, transport ministers from ASEAN member countries, departmental officials, and representatives from dialogue partner countries.

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn first delivered the opening remarks.

In his speech, the Prime Minister stated that, in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the ASEAN Community is based on three interconnected pillars — the political and security pillar, the economic pillar, and the social and cultural pillar — emphasizing the importance of integration and connectivity in realizing ASEAN’s 2025 vision of a more integrated, vibrant, and people-centred ASEAN Community.

He also highlighted that this year marks the final year of the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan (2016-2025) and the beginning of the ASEAN Transport Sectoral Plan (ATSP) (2026-2030), making it an important time for ASEAN transport cooperation, while also congratulating the signing of the ASEAN-New Zealand Air Services Agreement, in accordance with the Declaration of the 47th ASEAN Summit, a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity, facilitating trade and tourism, and deepening people-to-people ties.

The Prime Minister emphasized that transport connectivity is not only about infrastructure but also serves as a strategic measure for stability, progress, and community building, adding that he believes this connectivity will drive further progress if countries work together, preserving the spirit of ASEAN partnership with mutual respect and solidarity.

He stated that a multiparty democratic general election will be held next December, marking an important milestone in restoring democratic governance and promoting national unity, while expressing appreciation for the ASEAN community’s understanding, support, and positive engagement regarding Myanmar’s election, and conveying confidence that ASEAN will continue to emerge as a stronger, more united, and forward-looking community.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to ASEAN member states, dialogue partners, and the ASEAN Secretariat for their continued cooperation and support, urged them to persist in implementing the shared vision of building ASEAN into a stable, peaceful, and prosperous region, and expressed hope that today’s meeting would yield fruitful discussions.

The Prime Minister and other participants at the ceremony reportedly took a commemorative group photo and watched a video clip of the song “Strengthening Connectivity, Sharing the Future” before the opening ceremony was called off.

MNA/TH

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