Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing Delivers an Addresses at Gathering to Mark 2nd Anniversary of the Founding of the Myanmar Coast Guard

Ministry of Defense/ Nay Pyi Taw / October 10, 2023

The second anniversary of the founding of the Myanmar Coast Guard, established on 6 October 2021 with the aim of safeguarding Myanmar seas and maritime interest and blue sea economic businesses, preventing threats against maritime security, enforcing rule of law at sea and carrying out humanitarian activities, and supporting the Tatmadaw (Navy) during emergency times, was held on 6 October with an address delivered by the Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

In the address delivered by the Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the stressed the following points –

· Myanmar has long and wide territorial waters, dotted with numerous islands, rich in natural resources and economic opportunities along the coast

· Hence, a coast guard is required to totally safeguard the country’s territorial seas and coastal areas in addition to the Navy. The country took time to make preparations and study the structures of the coast guards of other countries.

· Normally, a coast guard has the duty to enforce the rule of law along the coast and at the territorial seas and provide humanitarian assistance.

· The MCG’s primary duty is the enforcement of the maritime rule of law and the provision of humanitarian aid. It is also responsible for protecting maritime interests, search and rescue operations, and environment conservation at sea.

· Members of the Coast Guard must know the local and international maritime laws and rules, and only then will they be able to streamline their tasks and widen their scope of international relations.

· In connection with administrative affairs, it is necessary to show good governance of the units by maintaining proper hierarchy and taking systematic measures.

· In connection with welfare, individual personnel are required to take care of one's welfare while units are providing welfare for personnel as much as possible.

· It is the second anniversary of the Myanmar Coast Guard and the rule of law and defence duties performed by the Coast Guard in the maritime territory during the two years have been appreciated. Coast Guard personnel are urged to show higher capabilities.

· The Senior General also urged the personnel to make the Coast Guard a model force and to strive to continue to stand as a capable force.

After that, the Chairman of the State Administration Council the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing conducted the following activities –

· The Senior General presented honorary prizes to officers and other ranks who carried out duties relentlessly for the rule of law and search and rescue operations at sea during the two-year period of the Coast Guard.

· Then, the Senior General presented an emblem of honour for the Coast Guard to the director general of the Coast Guard, who presented a commemorative emblem marking the second anniversary of the Coast Guard to the Senior General.

· After the ceremony, the Senior General cordially spoke words of encouragement to officers and the other ranks of the Coast Guard who attended the ceremony.

· Afterwards, the Senior General and party inspected the performance of duties in the headquarters by collecting real-time information about weather conditions and activities in the territorial waters of the country, an exhibition about the Coast Guard and a library.

· Then, the Senior General and party inspected the vessels used by the Coast Guard.

· After that, the Senior General and party inspected the Naung Yoe drinking water factory for officers, other ranks and families of the Coast Guard, agriculture and livestock breeding tasks and staff quarters and gave necessary instructions.

Also present together with the Senior General were SAC members Union Minister for Defence Admiral Tin Aung San, Lt-Gen Nyo Saw, Union level officials, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Forces, the Yangon Command commander, Director General of Myanmar Coast Guard Rear-Admiral Ko Ko Kyaw, and officers and other ranks of Tatmadaw (Navy) and Myanmar Coast Guard, it is reported.

Source: Myawady Daily Newspaper (7-10-2023)