Liberia/Myanmar establish diplomatic relations

The Governments of Liberia and the Union of Myanmar have established diplomatic relations between the two countries. A dispatch from Beijing, People’s Republic of China (PRC) says, Mr. Dudley McKinley Thomas, Liberia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People’s Republic of China and Mr. Thit Linn Ohn, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the People’s Republic of China signed the Joint Communiqué on behalf of their respective Governments at an impressive ceremony held at the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar in downtown Beijing.

In remarks during the occasion, the Ambassador Thit Linn Ohn of the Union of Myanmar stressed that his country was pleased to establish diplomatic relations with Liberia, Africa’s oldest independent Republic. He believes that the event marks the beginning of building closer ties between the two countries especially in the areas of trade, agriculture and people to people exchanges.

He praised the important role that Liberia has played at the United Nations and other international organizations and believes that by establishing diplomatic relations, Liberia and Myanmar, will now combine their efforts in helping to find workable solutions to the many challenges faced by the international community.

Ambassador Thit Linn Ohn, expressed the desire of his country to establish and cultivate friendly relations with as many African countries as possible; adding that with the signing of this Communiqué, Liberia became the 119th country with which Myanmar has established diplomatic relations.

For his part, Liberia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Mr. Thomas said he considered it an honor being designated by the Government of Liberia and it is with a deep sense of personal satisfaction that he signed an “historical document”.

“This document will serve as a catalyst for furthering the cementing of a closer bond of friendship and cooperation between our two leaders, our two governments and our two peoples,” the Liberian diplomat said, adding, “Liberia and Myanmar must work together to promote world peace and security under their common obligations and responsibilities as members of the United Nations.”

He indicated that both countries must find the capacity to forge a new paradigm shift which enhances opportunities for Asia-Africa trade and commerce to further develop and expand. “Myanmar is now Liberia’s close friend and we must work together increasingly for the betterment of the peoples of our two countries,” Ambassador Thomas admonished.

The Liberian Ambassador requested his counterpart, Ambassador Thit Linn Ohn to kindly convey best wishes of Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the prosperity and well-being of the Head of State, the State Councilor and the Government and people of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a southeast Asian nation of more than 100 ethnic groups, bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand. Yangon (formerly Rangoon), the country’s largest city, is home to bustling markets, numerous parks and lakes, and the towering, gilded Shwedagon Pagoda, which contains Buddhist relics that dates back to the 6th century. Myanmar’s capital city is Naypidaw.