Press Releases

1. On October 15, a ceasefire agreement was signed between the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and eight ethnic armed groups.

2. The Government of Japan appreciates the signing of the ceasefire agreement as a positive movement toward national reconciliation in Myanmar. The Government of Japan also hopes that the ethnic armed groups that have not yet signed, will sign the ceasefire agreement in the future.

3. Under the policy of the “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation, the Government of Japan, together with Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar, has been supporting the process for national reconciliation between the Government of Myanmar and ethnic minorities in various ways. In January last year, Japan announced support up to 10 billion yen over a period of five years, and has been striving to improve livelihoods in the conflict-affected areas.

4. Japan strongly hopes that the signing will further progress reconciliation between the Government of Myanmar and ethnic minorities, and lead to peace and stability of throughout Myanmar, including ethnic minority areas.

5. Based on its experience as a peaceful nation that has contributed to the peace and development of Asia and the world over the past 70 years since the end of World War II, Japan has implemented assistance for supporting Myanmar’s efforts for reforms toward democratization, national reconciliation and sustainable development mainly based on the three pillars of 1) improvement of people's livelihood, 2) capacity building, development of systems and institutions to sustain economy and society, and 3) development of infrastructure and related systems necessary for the sustainable economic development, and intends to continue to extend its utmost support for Myanmar’s peace process.