Myanmar Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Ties with Pakistan on 78th Independence Day

Islamabad:
Myanmar has reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with Pakistan, as the country marked the 78th Anniversary of its Independence at a ceremony held in Islamabad.
The event was attended by Federal Minister for the Board of Investment Qaisar Ahmed Sheikh as the chief guest, alongside Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Wuuna Han, heads of ASEAN diplomatic missions, and other dignitaries. The ceremony included a cake-cutting to commemorate Myanmar’s Independence Day, symbolising the nation’s enduring quest for sovereignty, unity and progress.
Addressing the gathering, Qaisar Ahmed Sheikh said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Myanmar and expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to grow stronger in the future. He highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation between the two countries in multiple fields.
In his address, Ambassador Wuuna Han expressed gratitude to the guests and reiterated Myanmar’s desire to deepen relations with Pakistan. He voiced optimism that bilateral engagement would continue to expand in the coming days.
Marking the occasion, the ambassador said the 78th Independence Day holds deep significance for the people of Myanmar, reflecting remembrance, pride and a renewed commitment to the ideals of freedom, unity and national development. He highlighted Myanmar’s centuries-old civilisation and rich cultural heritage, describing it as a bridge to the world and a testament to the resilience and harmony of its people.
Ambassador Wuuna Han paid special tribute to the long-standing historical and diplomatic ties between Myanmar and Pakistan. He recalled that Pakistan was the first country to recognise Myanmar, with diplomatic relations established on August 14, 1947—the same day Pakistan gained independence. He noted that Myanmar’s first ambassador, U Pe Khin, was also the first envoy to present credentials to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and later served as the first Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Karachi.
He further highlighted shared historical and cultural links, including the exile of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, to Rangoon in 1858, whose tomb remains preserved in Yangon and is regularly visited by Pakistani leaders. The ambassador also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in preserving and promoting Gandhara civilisation, calling the Buddhist heritage sites in Taxila, Swat and Peshawar invaluable to global history.
Reflecting on future cooperation, Ambassador Wuuna Han outlined Myanmar’s vision for deeper cultural diplomacy, expanded economic collaboration, stronger educational partnerships and enhanced regional cooperation to promote stability and shared prosperity across South and Southeast Asia.
“We believe that Myanmar and Pakistan, working hand in hand, can contribute meaningfully to a more peaceful and interconnected world,” he said, concluding with the message: “Myanmar-Pakistan Dosti Zindabad.”