Min Aung Hlaing said on Friday that his new government faces significant challenges and will seek to strengthen international relations while normalising ties with Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
In his inauguration address to parliament, the former junta chief said peace and democracy would be his priorities, adding that his administration would encourage foreign investment, develop agriculture and implement effective long-term strategic plans.
Min Aung Hlaing was elected president by parliament a week ago, consolidating his grip on political power in war-torn Myanmar, five years after he led a coup that plunged the nation into crisis.
His transition from military leader to civilian president follows an election won decisively by an army-backed party, though critics and Western governments have dismissed the vote as a sham aimed at sustaining military rule under a civilian façade.
The coup and subsequent crackdown by the military under his command prompted intervention by ASEAN, which later barred junta leaders from attending its summits.
“Myanmar is now well on its way toward democracy, but the new government has a lot of challenges to overcome,” he said in the speech delivered in Naypyitaw, which lasted less than 20 minutes and was attended by more than 50 foreign guests.
“The new government will implement a roadmap based on democracy and federalism … our priorities are democracy and peace.”
He added that his administration would work to enhance international relations and restore normal engagement with ASEAN.
(with inputs from Reuters)
