MR DOUG SONNEK, Chargé d’affaires ad interim of the US Embassy to Myanmar, said that as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, he also looks forward to marking the 80th anniversary of US-Myanmar diplomatic relations next year. He added that the two countries honour and celebrate the resilience, connections and shared vision that continue to sustain the bonds between their peoples.
According to a US Embassy statement, Sonnek made the remarks in his Thadingyut greeting message to the people of Myanmar on 25 October.
Beginning his message in Myanmar, Sonnek said, “Mingalaba … May all the people of Myanmar be happy and peaceful during this Thadingyut season.” He expressed deep sympathy for those working to recover and rebuild their communities following severe flooding across the country, as they celebrated the festival with their families. He also noted that the United States continues to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance, including support for drinking water, health and sanitation.
He further stated that the strong and enduring ties between the peoples of the two countries remain at the heart of bilateral relations, from the American Centre in Yangon to the reopened Jefferson Centre in Mandalay. On behalf of the US Embassy, he extended warm wishes to the people of Myanmar and their loved ones for a joyful, peaceful and pleasant Thadingyut festival.
The US Embassy and its consular services were closed on Monday, 26 October, in observance of the Full Moon Day of Thadingyut and resumed normal operations on Tuesday, 27 October.
Htun Htun/TH
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