YANGON: At the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), officials from four political parties departed for China from Yangon International Airport on July 20, according to an announcement from the parties.
The visiting parties include the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), People’s Party (PP), Arakan Front Party (AFP), and Shan Nationalities Democratic Party-White Tiger (SNDP).
A nine-member delegation led by USDP’s vice chair U Hla Tun, U Maung Myint, and U Hla Shwe, along with a three-member delegation led by PP’s chairman U Ko Ko Gyi, Daw Sandar Win, and committee member U Sai Than Htike, left for China separately.
Before the trip, U Ko Ko Gyi told Daily Eleven News that he hoped to discuss the stability of Myanmar and the restoration of democracy through party-to-party relations. He planned to explain to the Chinese government the insecurity and shocking situations faced by the people, especially due to armed conflict.
He emphasised the importance of multi-layered relationships with parties, civil society organizations, religious organizations, and media from China, which have been increasing since Myanmar’s democratic changes in 2010.
Additionally, U Ko Ko Gyi planned to meet with the International Relations Department of the CPC.
In the past, China frequently invited political parties to visit, but such invitations ceased after the political changes in 2021. Now, China has re-engaged with Myanmar’s political parties.
From June 27 to 30, former president U Thein Sein paid a four-day visit to China, and Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win visited China on July 6. - Eleven Media/ANN
