State Opens Path to Peace Through Dialogue

Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing sent a message to the ceremony to mark the 51st Anniversary of Rakhine State, which falls on 15 December 2025. The full text of the translated message is as follows: –

Esteemed national brethren in Rakhine State,

On the auspicious occasion of the 51st Anniversary of Rakhine State Day, which falls today, 15 December 2025, I extend my greetings and first offer my best wishes to all Rakhine national brethren residing in Rakhine State and in various regions, as well as to all Union-born ethnic national people across the country, wishing them complete physical and mental well-being and the fulfilment of all beneficial hopes and aspirations.

Rakhine State Day is a significant and prestigious occasion, rich in special significance, for the Union-born Rakhine ethnic people. Under the Constitution adopted in 1974, when regions and states were designated, Rakhine State was included as one of the states. In 1974, a nationwide referendum was held from 15 to 31 December 1973 to approve the Constitution. The Rakhine State People’s Council designated 15 December – the first day of that referendum – as Rakhine State Day. The Rakhine State Day ceremony, which is an auspicious occasion for all Rakhine ethnic people, has been observed annually with grandeur and enthusiasm, and it has now reached its 51st year.

Rakhine State is a state rich in cultural heritage and artistic works, together with the long ancient history of the Rakhine ethnic people. It is a region where the Buddha Sasana has flourished brightly, and, as expressed in the saying “Digits on clusters of orchid flowers is equal to Rakhine pagodas”, it is home to many historic ancient stupas and temples, making it a state abundant in cultural heritage.

Rakhine State is geographically located along the western coastal region and covers an area of 14,200 square miles. As it shares borders with neighbouring countries, it is an important state for the nation. With forests, mountains, rivers and streams, lush green woodlands, and a long and beautiful coastline, it is rich in land and water resources. It is also a proud and scenic state capable of producing valuable natural products.

Esteemed national brethren,

Currently, this is a period during which the National Defence and Security Council is exercising and carrying out the three branches of State power – legislative, executive, and judicial – in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Until a new government that emerges from a general election is formed, the National Defence and Security Council has also set four key objectives and is continuously implementing them, namely: promoting national economic development, improving the socioeconomic lives of the people, and enhancing the national education and health sectors.

The National Defence and Security Council has formed the National Peace and Security Commission, and at present it is proceeding, in line with the final point of the four objectives –“to implement multiparty democratic system, with the participation of the people, to ensure the success of multiparty democratic general election process and successfully moving towards with the multiparty democratic system aspired by the entire people” – to ensure the successful holding of elections.