TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia and Myanmar celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations by holding a diplomatic reception and a food festival at the Indonesian embassy in Yangon. A series of activities were organized to mark the 70 years of diplomatic ties and the celebration reached its peak this month, the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon said in a written statement released Saturday.

The activities included a diplomatic reception on October 28, an Indonesian Food Festival from October 25 to 28, and an Indonesian Festival on October 25 and 26.

The activities were aimed at introducing the diversity and typical characteristics of Indonesian culture and cuisine to the people of Myanmar and enhancing the relations between the two ASEAN member states, Indonesian Ambassador to Myanmar Iza Fadri said.

The diplomatic reception promoted a theme on West Sumatra known for its cultural uniqueness and delicious cuisine.

The embassy invited a West Sumatra delegation led by Governor Iwan Prayitno and an arts team from the Padang State University (UNP) to promote the province's potential as well as enliven the activities.

Myanmar Minister Health and Sports Myint Htwe attended the diplomatic reception as a guest of honor.

The Indonesian government is in the process of building a hospital in Myanmar's Rakhine State. The construction has now reached the final stage.

The two countries are also expected to ink a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on health cooperation.

ANTARA