Union Minister Receives Ambassador

Union Minister for Religious Affairs U Tin Oo Lwin received Nepalese Ambassador Mr. Harishchandra Ghimire on July 27 in Nay Pyi Taw. During the meeting, the Union Minister expressed deep gratitude for Nepal's donation towards the renovation of the stone inscription shed within the precinct of the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda. He also noted that two missionary monks and two religious affairs officials have been sent to Nepal, and expressed appreciation to Nepal for leasing land to accommodate pilgrims. In response, the Ambassador shared that he felt equal joy alongside the people of Myanmar for the collective rescue and support efforts following the Mandalay earthquake. He expressed particular satisfaction in being able to participate in the restoration of religious buildings. The Ambassador mentioned he learned of the damage to the stone inscription shed inside the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda compound in Mandalay, where renovation works are currently underway. He stated that the renovation is scheduled to be completed by the second week of August 2026 and is currently nearly 100% complete. He added that the opening ceremony for the stone inscription shed will be held in August. Furthermore, the Ambassador expressed gratitude for the increase in Myanmar pilgrims visiting Lumbini Garden in Nepal in 2025 compared to previous years, which benefited tourism, and affirmed that mutual cooperation in religious affairs between the two countries will continue. The Union Minister replied that necessary assistance would be provided for the opening ceremony of the stone inscription shed within the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda precinct, and further discussions were held regarding bilateral friendship affairs.