Defence Services Deputy C-in-C delivers speech at 5th Founding Anniversary of MCG

DEFENCE Services Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Kyaw Swa Lin delivered a speech at the ceremony to mark the fifth founding anniversary of the Myanmar Coast Guard at its headquarters in Thanlyin Station yesterday morning.

The ceremony was also attended by senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of the Yangon Command, the director-general of Myanmar Coast Guard, commanders of naval commands, officers and other ranks from Tatmadaw (Navy) and Myanmar Coast Guard and guests.

At the opening of the Recreation Centre to mark the anniversary of MCG, an official reported on the construction of the building.

The General pressed the button to unveil the Recreation Centre and sprinkled scented water on the plaque.

Speaking on the occasion, the General said that the Head of State formed the Myanmar Coast Guard in 2021 with farsightedness. It aims to manage maritime security and law enforcement activities in the area extending from Myanmar’s internal waters along its coastline to the exclusive economic zone, protect national maritime interests, conduct maritime search and rescue operations, combat transnational crimes at sea, exchange information, strengthen diplomatic relations through cooperation and coordination with international coast guard forces, and provide support to the Tatmadaw (Navy) during wartime.

It was established with the vision of developing into a competent coast guard force capable of protecting and safeguarding, both at sea and in the air, the nation’s maritime interests, marine environmental safety and security, and the rule of law across the area extending from the mainland coastline to the exclusive economic zone. Myanmar’s maritime domain is not only a vital lifeline for the country’s national trade, but also serves as a geopolitical bridge connecting the Indo-Pacific region and the Indian Ocean with SouthEast Asia and South Asia, as well as with China and India, the world’s two most populous countries.

At present, Myanmar is building a Union based on democracy and federalism under the leadership of a new government elected by the people through democratic means. The Government is prioritizing efforts to enhance strategic economic cooperation with partner countries, and such cooperation encompasses a wide range of maritime sectors and blue economy activities.

It should also be recognized that maritime affairs are closely interconnected with a wide range of international, legal, and technical standards, disaster management and humanitarian issues. By effectively utilizing the country’s maritime potential, it will be possible to promote economic development while enhancing the country’s positive image in the maritime sector.

In carrying out the duties of the force, it is required to protect and safeguard the country’s maritime interests and uphold the rule of law at sea, as well as perform duties related to maritime security and safety. These responsibilities constitute the capabilities and mandates assigned to the force since its establishment.