Independent and Active Foreign Policy

5. Beginning in 1971 Myanmar transformed its independent and non-aligned Foreign Policy to an independent and active Foreign Policy. The State Law and Order Restoration Council , by its Declaration 3/88 of 18.9.88 promulgated that it would continue to adhere to the independent and active foreign policy .In practising its Independent and Active Foreign Policy, Myanmar will not align itself with any bloc on international issues except to consistently stand on the side that is right. Myanmar also actively participates in activities for world peace; opposes war, imperialism and colonialism; and maintains friendly relations with all countries.

6. Myanmar practises the Independent and Active Foreign Policy in accordance with the following principles:

• respect of and adherence to the principle of equality among peoples and among nations and the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence;• taking a non-aligned, independent and just stand in international issues;
• maintaining friendly relations with all nations, and good-neighbourly relations with neighbouring countries;
• continued support of, and active participation in, the United Nations and its affiliated organisations;
• pursuance of mutually beneficial bilateral and multilateral cooperation programmes;
• regional consultation and beneficial cooperation in regional economic and social affairs;
• active participation in the maintenance of international peace and security and the creation of an equitable economic order and opposition to imperialism, colonialism, intervention, aggression and hegemonism;
• acceptance of foreign assistance which is beneficial to national development, provided there are no strings attached.