-Statement from The Nippon Foundation on Step toward Peace -

Representatives of the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and eight ethnic armed organizations signed a ceasefire agreement on October 15 at a ceremony in the capital city of Naypyidaw. Along with Thailand, China, India, the United Nations, and the European Union, Japan, which has promoted dialog among the parties involved and provided humanitarian aid to conflict-affected regions, was a witness to the signing. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, attended the ceremony and signed the agreement in his capacity as Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar. Following the signing, The Nippon Foundation released the following statement.

Statement regarding Myanmar Ceasefire Agreement

Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman, The Nippon Foundation

I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached on the 15th of October, 2015 between the Government of Myanmar and the eight ethnic armed organizations.

I would like to commend both the Government of Myanmar and the ethnic armed organizations for having continued to pursue dialogue and deepen mutual trust to date, in the process of peacebuilding undertaken in Myanmar.

The signing of this ceasefire agreement is an important step toward achieving peace and stability in Myanmar. Today, many are still forced to live under harsh and insecure conditions. I would like to call on all parties to make efforts to ensure that the peace process in Myanmar will move forward.

For decades, The Nippon Foundation has supported efforts to improve the welfare of the people of Myanmar. In recent years, in addition to activities in such fields as education, agriculture, medicine, and support for people with disabilities, we have been extending humanitarian support to the victims of civil strife. In line with our commitment to lasting peace in Myanmar, The Nippon Foundation will continue to provide support to better the lives of those in conflict-affected communities.

Please visit The Nippon Foundation's website for more information regarding the Foundation's activities in Myanmar.

http://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/en/what/projects/myanmar/

Source: Nippon Foundation