Zelenskyy likely to head to Washington for minerals deal signing ceremony
KookieSpace97
US President Donald Trump said his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, plans to travel to Washington later this week to sign a minerals deal.
Zelenskyy is reportedly planning to meet Trump in the White House on Friday after officials agreed on the terms of the draft deal. The US aims to jointly develop Ukraine's mineral resources.
Ukraine has previously stated that it seeks security guarantees from the US as part of the deal.
According to a senior Ukrainian official who spoke to the AFP news agency, while the draft mentions "security," it does not specify the US role.
However, Trump mentioned that "some form" of peacekeeping troops will be necessary for Ukraine.
State leaders and stakeholders in various arenas have been striving for the restoration of internal peace in successive eras, resulting in achieving peace in some areas of the nation. Due to various root causes, the ceasefire process between the government and relevant ethnic armed groups, leading to the restoration of peace, faded out in some parts of the nation.It can be observed that internal armed conflicts, which began just two months after independence, have still not been fully resolved till today. The persistence of these conflicts can be attributed in part to some armed groups following self-interest–driven agendas, as well as to weaknesses in the implementation of national political principles, which led to misunderstandings and misaligned beliefs and positions.It is important to continue fostering mutual respect, understanding, and compassion among ethnic groups, and to walk together on the path of “national solidarity” for the future of the nation and the next generation. So, the government has invited all ethnic armed groups to join peace talks so as to seek the best solution for ending armed conflicts and restoring internal peace with the purpose of building a peaceful and stable society.Since gaining independence, some have described Myanmar’s political journey as turbulent waves, while others have considered it a long and difficult path. Indeed, the political history of Myanmar after 1948 has been a mixture of both positive and negative developments. At one point, it was even noted as having one of the longest-lasting internal armed conflicts in Southeast Asia.In fact, every war or armed conflict is never separate from politics, so solutions must be sought and negotiated through political means. Today, political freedoms already exist in Myanmar. Matters that could not be spoken of before can now be openly discussed. Hopes that were once unimaginable can now be pursued, and even dreams that could not be dreamed before are now attainable. In other words, reforms are being initiated in nearly all aspects of the democratic system that countries around the world aspire to, bringing in new politics and a new culture. In any case, Tatmadaw has been able to initiate this democratic system desired by all citizens and has successfully carried out an important political transition.Everyone must strive to integrate the political and economic progress they have achieved so far with the ongoing efforts to build peace. In reality, achieving internal peace requires not only a ceasefire but also efforts to resolve the root causes of armed conflicts. Therefore, solutions must be pursued through political means.It is important to continue fostering mutual respect, understanding, and compassion among ethnic groups, and to walk together on the path of “national solidarity” for the future of the nation and the next generation. So, the government has invited all ethnic armed groups to join peace talks so as to seek the best solution for ending armed conflicts and restoring internal peace with the purpose of building a peaceful and stable society.gnlm
The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw is the top structure in the legislative sector of Myanmar’s parliamentary institutions. In the democratic practice in Myanmar, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw is established with Hluttaw representatives from the Pyithu and Amyotha Hluttaws.In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw carries out legislation and oversight in exercising the three branches of State sovereign power, which are legislative, executive, and judicial, as its primary responsibilities to the extent possible through separation of powers and mutual checks and balances.At present, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, for its third term, is functional due to facts that the Hluttaw representatives have been elected by the people in the 2025 multiparty democratic general election in three phases. At a time when the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw is operated, elected Hluttaw representatives and Defence Services Personnel Representatives from relevant Hluttaws have to be Pyidaungsu Hluttaw representatives who must serve duties to approve bills submitted and debated in the Pyithu Hluttaw and the Amyotha Hluttaw, as well as make final decisions on important matters of the State.Hluttaw representatives have to serve their responsibilities in accord with the Constitution in cooperation and unity with each other without committing inappropriate activities harnishing the image of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. When addressing any issue, representatives must be mindful of preventing disunity and fragmentation in their conduct and decisions. It is because those Hluttaw representatives were trustfully elected by the people. They have to strictly note that, as the role of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw is of high significance, Hluttaw representatives must comply with the established laws and rules and conduct themselves as role models.The State and the majority of the people ultimately aim to establish a Union based on genuine, disciplined democracy and a federal system. Flourishing the multiparty democracy is very important for reaching the goal as early as possible. As such, all representatives from the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw have to focus on their responsibilities so as to build the Union based on democracy and a federal system as soon as possible.Hluttaw representatives have to serve their responsibilities in accord with the Constitution in cooperation and unity with each other without committing inappropriate activities harnishing the image of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. When addressing any issue, representatives must be mindful of preventing disunity and fragmentation in their conduct and decisions. It is because those Hluttaw representatives were trustfully elected by the people. They have to strictly note that, as the role of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw is of high significance, Hluttaw representatives must comply with the established laws and rules and conduct themselves as role models.Without personal bias or party bias, the representatives should prioritize only the national interest and the interests of the State and its citizens, and engage in mutual respect and dialogue to ensure that better decisions emerge from differing viewpoints. If so, their actions will bring honour to both themselves and the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, setting a historic precedent in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.gnlm
Every law enacted by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw must primarily protect the interests of the State and its citizens rather than those of any organization or private entity.The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker extended greetings at the first regular session of the Third Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on its first day. The full text of the translated greetings is as follows: –First and foremost, I would like to extend my greetings, Mingalaba, to all and wish all Pyidaungsu Hluttaw representatives and distinguished guests attending the first day of the First Regular Session of the Third Pyidaungsu Hluttaw held today good health and peace of mind.I would like to state that I am deeply honoured and pleased that, having been elected as the Speaker of the Third Amyotha Hluttaw, I will, under Section 76 (a) of the Constitution, concurrently serve as the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker for a term of two and a half years, or 30 months.Today is the first day of the first regular session of the Third Pyidaungsu Hluttaw fully attended by Hluttaw representatives elected by the people based on their will in the 2025 multiparty democratic general election and Defence Services Personnel Hluttaw Representatives.Esteemed Pyidaungsu Hluttaw representatives,According to the historical events of our country and the demands of the current time, the State and the majority of the people ultimately aim to establish a Union based on genuine, disciplined democracy and a federal system. Flourishing the multiparty democracy is very important for reaching the goal as early as possible. Amid various difficulties and challenges along the path towards democracy, the current government, with relentless efforts and determination, successfully held a free, fair, and dignified multiparty general election in the presence of international observers. So, the Hluttaw meetings are held for those representatives elected by the people to serve the legislative responsibilities.During the first regular sessions of the third relevant Hluttaws, key matters of importance to the State and its citizens will be addressed. These include the election of the President and Vice-Presidents; the election of Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the Hluttaws; the formation of the Union Government; the appointment and assignment of duties to members of Union-level bodies; the formation of regional and state governments, including Chief Ministers and cabinets; and the establishment of Hluttaw affairs committees and joint committees. These procedures will be implemented with the approval of the Hluttaws.Esteemed Pyidaungsu Hluttaw representatives,Due to the prompt repair and rehabilitation efforts carried out following the damage caused by the major Mandalay earthquake on 28 March 2025, the Hluttaw sessions are held successfully at present. In line with the country’s situation and the dignity of its citizens, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw would like to respectfully express its special gratitude to the State Government and the National Defence and Security Council for reconstructing and restoring these grand Hluttaw buildings and for making thorough and well-prepared arrangements in advance to ensure that nothing is lacking for the attending Hluttaw representatives.The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw is not only the body that approves bills submitted and debated in the Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw, but also the institution that makes final decisions on important matters of the State. Therefore, the role of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw is of high significance. Likewise, the role of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw representatives is also important.Therefore, Hluttaw representatives are required to comply with the established laws and rules and to conduct themselves as role models. In addition, without personal cult or party bias, they should prioritize only the national interest and the interests of the State and its citizens, and engage in mutual respect and dialogue to ensure that better decisions emerge from differing viewpoints.Sometimes, when the Pyithu Hluttaw and the Amyotha Hluttaw have differing views on bills and they are discussed and decided in the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, those representatives should not be influenced by institutional bias, ideology, or party allegiance. Instead, they should focus solely on producing better legal provisions and conducting discussions based on understanding and unity.The desire to ensure that the State remains stable, peaceful, and developed, and to build a genuine, disciplined, democratic and federal Union that achieves durable peace, is the shared aspiration and common goal of all of our Hluttaw representatives. Therefore, we should consult, coordinate, and deliberate on matters that will benefit the State and its citizens through mutual understanding, unity, and solidarity.The main duty of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw is, in accordance with the Constitution, to carry out legislation and oversight in exercising the three branches of State sovereign power – legislative, executive, and judicial – to the extent possible through separation of powers and mutual checks and balances.Every law enacted and approved by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw must be one that primarily promotes the interests of the State and its citizens, rather than the interests of any organization or private entity. At present, outdated laws that are no longer consistent with current times and systems should be reviewed and analyzed, and amended or repealed as necessary. New laws that benefit the State and its citizens should be submitted, debated, and approved. In addition, the effectiveness and applicability of existing laws should be reassessed, and they should be amended where necessary.We, Hluttaw representatives, are required to thoroughly study and precisely comply with the legislative provisions contained in the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, as well as the Hluttaw laws and rules. As members of the legislative body, we must work together in the Hluttaw, in cooperation with the executive and judicial branches, to deliberate and make decisions in the interests of the State and the people. Therefore, we should engage in discussions and carry out our duties based on the spirit of the Union and cooperation.Esteemed Hluttaw representatives,In conclusion, I would like to state that, during my tenure as Speaker of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, I will work with integrity and loyalty, giving priority to the realization of a Union based on genuine, disciplined democracy and a federal system desired by the citizens of the country. In this Hluttaw, which operates in accordance with democratic practices, I urge all of us to work together in unity so that the laws, rules, and Hluttaw traditions we follow will become good precedents and exemplary practices for future generations. I also conclude by expressing my confidence that we will be able to build a Hluttaw that the public can trust.gnlm
The free and fair multiparty democratic general election was successfully held in three phases, and dates have already been set for convening the first regular sessions of the respective third-term Hluttaws, together with the members of parliament who were elected as representatives of the people.In the 2025 multiparty democratic general election, more than 13.14 million voters cast their ballots out of over 24.22 million eligible voters in 263 townships where the election was held. The voter turnout was 54.22 per cent. Since those elected were chosen by people who support democracy, they are expected to work for the benefit of the nation with patriotism and a spirit of love for the country. Although this election was conducted amid various difficulties, unlike previous elections, political parties enthusiastically participated and competed in the process. Likewise, voters fulfilled their responsibilities as citizens by actively and conscientiously coming out to cast their votes.The entire people of Myanmar are hoping for the country’s political situation to reach the best possible condition. With such expectations, they overwhelmingly cast their votes in the election. The ultimate objective of politics is nation-building. People with different political views and differing opinions must prioritize national interests and choose the best possible approaches in order to contribute to the development of the country. In carrying out political activities, they must act courageously for the good of the nation, free from personal bias, party bias, and feelings of favouritism or hostility.The first regular session of the Pyithu Hluttaw will commence on 16 March 2026, of the Amyotha Hluttaw on 18 March, and of the Region and State Hluttaws on 20 March. When Hluttaw representatives arrive in Nay Pyi Taw, arrangements have already been coordinated in advance with the relevant offices, departments, and organizations for transportation to and from designated locations. Accommodation has also been prepared with the necessary facilities for Hluttaw representatives. The respective Hluttaw offices have also made prior preparations to ensure that the procedures and tasks to be carried out by Hluttaw representatives in each Hluttaw can proceed smoothly and conveniently.For the successful convening of the third-term Hluttaw sessions, news media organizations recognized as the fourth estate in a multiparty democratic system must systematically comply with the prescribed rules and regulations related to news gathering on discussions about the voices of the people by Hluttaw representatives within the Hluttaw. The Ministry of Information has taken the lead, in cooperation with the Myanmar Press Council and the Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, to systematically arrange media corners.The entire people of Myanmar are hoping for the country’s political situation to reach the best possible condition. With such expectations, they overwhelmingly cast their votes in the election. The ultimate objective of politics is nation-building. People with different political views and differing opinions must prioritize national interests and choose the best possible approaches in order to contribute to the development of the country. In carrying out political activities, they must act courageously for the good of the nation, free from personal bias, party bias, and feelings of favouritism or hostility.gnlm
To achieve progress beyond the current situation, continued efforts must be made to increase the country’s GDP. In doing so, it is necessary to promote the development of the agricultural and livestock production sectors, which are the main pillars of the economy. Only then will other sectors, such as industrial manufacturing and services, also grow and develop. Above all, it is essential that all citizens genuinely work for national development.For the 2026-2027 financial year, the state has projected that the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will reach K195,032 billion. The economic growth rate is also expected to reach 3.4 per cent. Therefore, in preparing the estimated budget for the 2026-2027 financial year, it is important to carefully scrutinize and allocate only the amounts that can realistically be completed within the fiscal year for the tasks that truly need to be carried out, in line with the government’s policies, objectives, and programmes.Union ministries and the governments of regions and states must, during their respective terms of responsibility, fully and effectively implement the objectives and mottos set by the National Defence and Security Council. They should also work together in unity within their respective sectors to promote the country’s future economic development. Furthermore, they must systematically pave a successful path of development for the new government that will emerge.Union ministries, organizations, and regional and state governments must ensure that the funds allocated to them are used effectively and beneficially for the nation. Therefore, it is necessary to complete the planned projects on time, maintain a proper balance between project completion and financial expenditure, ensure the required quality standards, and strictly supervise the use of state funds so that there is no waste or loss.The state is promoting and supporting efforts for national prosperity, food security, and the development of MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) businesses. In doing so, priority must be given to developing agro-based industries, which are driven by agriculture — the main engine of the nation’s economic development. At the same time, emphasis must be placed on achieving long-term Sustainable Development goals for the future.To improve the socioeconomic lives of rural residents, priority is being given to developing essential infrastructure, such as improving roads and bridges, ensuring access to irrigation water for agriculture, and providing electricity. With better transport and connectivity, rural people will be able to transport their products within a shorter time, which will help increase household incomes and reduce poverty.Union ministries and the governments of regions and states must, during their respective terms of responsibility, fully and effectively implement the objectives and mottos set by the National Defence and Security Council. They should also work together in unity within their respective sectors to promote the country’s future economic development. Furthermore, they must systematically pave a successful path of development for the new government that will emerge.gnlm
The Government is striving to build a Union based on democracy and a federal system. In order to establish such a Union and promote the socioeconomic development of the people, all citizens must be healthy, resilient, and equipped with knowledge and skills. Therefore, the Government is making efforts to ensure balanced development across all sectors, including education and healthcare. National development can only be achieved through knowledgeable and skilled individuals.All ethnic nationalities within the Union must avoid disunity and, with a strong sense of Union spirit, build a Union founded on democracy and a federal system through mutual understanding, forgiveness, and cooperation. Myanmar is a country established under a Union system, and ethnic unity and solidarity are of paramount importance. To ensure harmony among ethnic nationalities, the most crucial and necessary task is to foster and nurture the Union spirit. Only when the Union spirit remains alive will destructive acts within the country be eliminated.It is the local ethnic people who are directly experiencing the negative consequences of armed violence. All destruction and losses involve the nation’s resources and infrastructure. At a time when the country is gaining momentum in its development, the reckless actions of terrorist insurgents that cause damage and destruction weaken the nation’s strength. Whenever such losses occur, substantial expenditures and a great deal of time are required to restore and rebuild to the original condition.All ethnic people living in Myanmar wish to live in peace and stability, to see the rule of law prevail, to achieve socioeconomic development, and to enjoy a secure livelihood. They do not at all approve of the loss of lives, homes, and property, nor the suffering and hardship caused by the presence of armed groups carrying out destructive activities.All armed conflicts and acts of violence and destruction ultimately lead only to the disintegration and devastation of the country and to greater hardship for all ethnic peoples. In contrast, areas free from armed conflict are peaceful and stable, experiencing development, and the socioeconomic conditions of the people in those regions are improving.It is the local ethnic people who are directly experiencing the negative consequences of armed violence. All destruction and losses involve the nation’s resources and infrastructure. At a time when the country is gaining momentum in its development, the reckless actions of terrorist insurgents that cause damage and destruction weaken the nation’s strength. Whenever such losses occur, substantial expenditures and a great deal of time are required to restore and rebuild to the original condition.The adverse consequences arising from armed conflict are borne by the entire ethnic population. Hence, peace and stability, along with the rule of law, are essential for national development and state-building. Therefore, all ethnic people are urged to join hands with the Government in striving to end armed conflict and to work together toward achieving stability, peace, and development.gnlm
