Myanmar's new FM to clarify foreign policy

Myanmar foreign minister Aung San Suu Kyi smiles during a press conference, April 5, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

YANGON - Myanmar's new foreign minister Aung San Suu Kyi will clarify the new government's foreign policy with foreign diplomats in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

Invitation has been sent to 93 foreign embassies at home and abroad including a United Nations agency.

Aung San Suu Kyi's official meeting with foreign diplomats as a foreign minister will be the first after the new government of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) took office on April 1.

According to deputy director-general of the Political Department of the Foreign Ministry U Ko Ko Shein, Myanmar government's foreign policy is oriented to the protection of national interests, security, economic development, justice, stability and environmental sustainability.

The policy also holds in high esteem such virtues as freedom, sovereignty, culture and tradition and national solidarity, he said.

There has been a dramatic shift of emphasis in Myanmar's foreign policy from "bilateral relations" to "regional integration" and "multilaterialism".

Myanmar's constitution stresses that the country practices independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy.

Quoting Suu Kyi, the official said the new government's foreign policy is aimed at enabling cooperation with neighboring countries in an effort to maintain peace, regionally and globally.

Aung San Suu Kyi also holds the post of the government's State Counselor and Minister of the President's Office.