Today is the fifty-seventh anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, a unique organization that has relentlessly worked for the well-being of our human kind. This marks the third time we are celebrating the occasion in this century. At the beginning of the century, the leaders of the world set forth goals for the new millennium and made commitments to establish better and sustainable conditions for the world while endeavouring to remedy or eliminate the conditions that have jeopardized the interests and existence of mankind. It has been nearly three years since the United Nations and all its Member States have been making concerted efforts for the realization of these goals as quickly as possible.

The problems facing humanity consist of both man-made and natural problems. Many of the problems are closely intertwined and the solution of one requires simultaneous solution of another or others with a comprehensive approach and coordinated strategy. It is, therefore, vitally important that all members of the international community tackle these global problems together in a family spirit.

In pursuing development goals the most fundamental prerequisite is peace - peace within countries, peace between neighbours and peace among all. For the foundation of peace to be firmly rooted, every country should respect and strictly abide by the principles on friendly relations between countries enshrined in the United Nations Charter and International Law, in one's relations with others.

Myanmar has steadfastly followed the principles referred to above and the five principles of peaceful co-existence in her relations with other countries. Believing that doing so would contribute not only towards regional peace and security but also international peace and security, Myanmar will resolutely continue to adhere to the aforementioned sacrosanct principles of peaceful co-existence.

While paying tribute to the Secretary-General and the United Nations Organization for the good work they have done, we would once again like to solemnly pledge our faith in and support for the United Nations on this auspicious occasion of the fifty- seventh anniversary of the United Nations Day.