Yangon : Office of Strategic Studies, Ministry of Defence, 1999.

Hardcover, illustrated paper-covered boards, dust jacket, small octavo (19 cm.), 287 pages.

Subjects: Myanmar / Burma / Foreign relations / Southeast Asia / ASEAN / Congresses.

From a contemporary (24 Oct 1998) Myanmar government press release:
(1) International Symposium on Interaction for Progress: Myanmar In ASEAN Commences

The opening ceremony of International Symposium on Interaction for Progress: Myanmar in ASEAN, sponsored by Office of Strategic Studies of Ministry of Defence, Information and Resource Centre of Singapore and Sasakawa Peace Foundation of Japan, was held at Sedona Hotel on 23 October morning. Director of Information and Resource Centre (IRC) of Singapore Mr M Rajaretnam extended greetings. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council and Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an address.
In his address this symposium is the first be sponsored by the Office of Strategic Studies (OSS) of the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with an international organization for the year 1998. This is the second international symposium that has been conducted by the OSS. Since 1996, the OSS has been sponsoring symposia and seminars every year, so, this forum is the fourth to be organized by the OSS. Since 1989, Myanmar has laid down and pursued new policies that would be worthwhile and of benefit to the State, and in accordance with these policies established contacts with the outside world. Through this process of broadening its sphere of relations with the external world Myanmar has succeeded in forging links with international think tanks that would be of advantage and assistance to both the State and the Armed Forces in their endeavours to build a developed and modern nation. Myanmar on her part also changed, and is no longer her former aloof self. She now keeps abreast of modern developments and has therefore increased her domain in international relations. Myanmar, since becoming a member of ASEAN, has established closer relations not only with fellow member nations, but of necessity, has been obliged to deal with other nations on an international level. It is very difficult to predict what world-wide changes the 21st century will bring in its wake. The same is true of the entire Asian region.
Myanmar on her part, will not usher in the new century by giving precedence only to her own development and progress irrespective of what may befall others. She will always take into consideration, relations with her neighbouring countries as well as with others in the region. And even if in the course of these relations, unexpected difficulties and obstacles should arise, she shall continue to cooperate with other nations for regional development and security on the basis of mutual understanding and in a spirit of friendship.

Minister at the Office of the Chairman of State Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Abel delivered an keynote address. Then, Deputy Minister for Education Dr Than Nyunt chaired the symposium in the first session of first day programme. Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the State Secretary Dr Dewi Fortuna Anawar of Indonesia presented a paper on the future of Asia in the 21st Century and the Role of ASEAN. Head of Department of the OSS Col Thein Swe gave suggestions on the paper. Dr Dewi Fortuna Anawar gave reply to the questions raised. Afterward, Representative of Southeast Asia Cooperation Fund Ms Sachiko Ishikawa chaired the symposium in the second session of first day programme and delivered an address. Professor Mr Rajah Rasiah (IKMS, National University of Malaysia) presented a paper on economic stabilization in Asia and economic possibilities for future. Retired Professor of Institute of Economic Daw Yi Yi Mya gave the suggestions on the second paper. Mr Rajah Rasiah gave reply to the questions. The symposium ended in the afternoon. It will continue on 24 October.

CONDITION: Very Good+ Book in Fine Dust Jacket. (Front board of book is bumped at spine joint.)