On May 17, the Norwegian mission in Yangon invited Norwegians to the celebration of the Constitution Day. It was the first time ever that the day was celebrated in Myanmar and some 20 people participated in the celebrations. T
In his speech for the occasian, Chargé d’Affairs in Myanmar, Arne Jan Flølo, pointed it out that only two years ago it would seem unlikely that a Norwegian crowd this size would come together and celebrate May 17 at a Norwegian diplomatic mission.
“Who would have thought two years ago that such a large Norwegian colony would gather here at the Norwegian diplomatic mission, which in just a few months is going to be a full-fledged Royal Norwegian Embassy?”
“The positive developments in Myanmar have drawn international attention. The same ideas that underlie our Constitution are now beginning to make their mark on developments in Myanmar. Myanmar is currently a country in democratic development. And it has made great strides in terms of fundamental rights and freedoms. The challenges are many. The fight against xenophobia, for equality, respect and tolerance is a struggle that still must be fought every day in Norway. And it is a battle that must be fought every day in Myanmar.”
“Even though far away from each other, Norway and Myanmar are still close to each other. Our relationship is built through years of commitment to democracy in Myanmar. Our people were tied closely by the Peace Prize to Aung San Suu Kyi and through humanitarian assistance of the Norwegian people to the people of Myanmar.”
Read the full speech of Arne Jan Flølo here
