Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Myanmar, since achieving independence, and for quite some time thereafter, adopted and practised an “independent” and “non-aligned” Foreign Policy. Beginning in 1971 Myanmar transformed its independent and non-aligned Foreign Policy to an independent and active Foreign Policy. The State Law and Order Restoration Council, by its Declaration 3/88 of 18.9.88 promulgated that it would continue to adhere to the independent and active foreign policy. In practising its Independent and Active Foreign Policy, Myanmar will not align itself with any bloc on international issues except to consistently stand on the side that is right. Myanmar also actively participates in activities for world peace; opposes war, imperialism and colonialism; and maintains friendly relations with all countries.

Myanmar practises the Independent and Active Foreign Policy in accordance with the following principles:

• respect of and adherence to the principle of equality among peoples and among nations and the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence;
• taking a non-aligned, independent and just stand in international issues;
• maintaining friendly relations with all nations, and good-neighbourly relations with neighbouring countries;
• continued support of, and active participation in, the United Nations and its affiliated organisations;
• pursuance of mutually beneficial bilateral and multilateral cooperation programmes;
• regional consultation and beneficial cooperation in regional economic and social affairs;
• active participation in the maintenance of international peace and security and the creation of an equitable economic order and opposition to imperialism, colonialism, intervention, aggression and hegemonism;
• acceptance of foreign assistance which is beneficial to national development, provided there are no strings attached;

The Five Principles of Peaceful co-existence 

In 1954 Myanmar, China and India, during Chinese Premier Chou En Lai’s visit to India and Myanmar expounded the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. Accordingly, on 28.6.1954 China and India signed in New Delhi and on 29.6.1954 Myanmar and China signed in Yangon, agreements to adhere to these Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. The Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence are:

1. mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty;
2. to abide by mutual non-aggression;
3. non-interference in each other’s internal affairs;
4. respect for mutual equality and to work for mutual benefit; and
5. peaceful co-existence

The above Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence still steadfastly remain the main cornerstone of Myanmar Foreign Policy.

In matters of world affairs and international issues, in line with the principles and purposes of the United Nations and on the basis of the principles of Peaceful Co-existence, Myanmar has acted as follows;

• actively participating in United Nations activities in accordance with its own basic principle;
• consistently supporting disarmament;
• opposing arms race, production and sales;
• supporting national liberation movements;
• supporting decolonialization;
• opposing aggression of imperialists;
• opposing colonialism, apartheid and racial discrimination;
• supporting efforts to ensure world peace; and
• opposing aggressive imperialistic wars.