YANGON, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday highlighted the country's sustainable development plan, which is seen as a roadmap in its democratic transition.
Suu Kyi made the remarks in her lecture speech titled "Myanmar's democratic transition: Challenges and Way Forward" delivered at the Institute of South East Asian Studies (ISEAS) in Singapore, the third day of her working visit to the Southeast Asian country at the invitation of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Suu Kyi's speech was broadcast live by the Myanmar Radio and Television.
The Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan identifies five goals -- Peace, National Reconciliation, Security and Good Governance; Economic Stability & Strengthened Macroeconomic Management; Job Creation & Private Sector-led Growth; Human Resources & Social Development for 21st Century Society and Natural Resources & the Environment for Prosperity of the Nation, supported by three pillars, she said.
The path of peace process of Myanmar was of unparalleled intricacy, involving more than the common number of players, she pointed out, but saying that the government is prepared for difficulties and disappointments, setbacks and even breakdowns.
She voiced determination to persevere because without peace, the transition could not blossom and bear fruit.
She underlined the valuable progress made at the three Panglong meetings held over the last two years, calling for resolving through dialogue and negotiation, by pushing forward endeavor to build mutual trust and understanding.
Over the issue in Rakhine State, Suu Kyi agreed with former UN chief Kofi Annan to find lasting solutions to the problems that were jeopardizing peace and progress in the region.
On the issue of migrant workers and displaced persons, Suu Kyi said there are around 4 million Myanmar migrant workers and displaced people in Thailand but the two countries have succeeded in working together to resolve the issue amicably in the spirit of good neighbourliness.
She hoped to work similary with Bangladesh to achieve the voluntary, safe and dignified return of displaced persons from northern Rakhine.
Suu Kyi also warned of the danger of terrorist activities, which was the initial cause of events leading to the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine.
Unless this security challenge is addressed, the risk of inter-communal violence will remain, she said.
"Terrorism should not be condoned in any form for any reason," the state counselor.
Noting that ASEAN economic integration, coupled with innovation, free trade, people-to-people contacts and regional connectivity, presents Myanamr with immense opportunities, Suu Kyi said Myanmar's recent economic surge is attributable to trade and investment from ASEAN and other East Asian economies.
Myanmar and Singapore, strategically located at the crossroads of this economically vibrant region, have a pivotal role to play in ensuring the continued economic growth and prosperity of ASEAN countries, she said, urging for combining Myanmar's comparative advantages to mutually benefit the region.
Suu Kyi's speech is the first Singapore Lecture delivered by a Myanmar leader.
