Jerusalem, Israel - Jan. 5, 2017 - Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, was colonized by the British after three Anglo-Burmese wars during the 19th century. In 1948, Myanmar became an independent state, with January 4th marked as Myanmar Independence Day.

At the Tel Aviv Dan Panorama Hotel, Myanmar's Ambassador to Israel Maung Maung Lynn and his wife, Khin Lay Mu, hosted  an evening in honor of the occasion of Myanmar's 69th year.

Myanmar is located in Southeast Asia along the Bay of Bengal, bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand. It is a nation of more than 100 ethnic groups. From 1962-2011, Myanmar was ruled by a military junta. The leader of opposition and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi, made international headlines while she was kept under house arrest for 15 years.

Among the guests at the Tel Aviv Myanmar Independence Day celebration were international ambassadors and military officials in uniform. Israeli officials included Chief of State Protocol Meron Reuben. Representing the Israeli government was MK Ayoob Kara. All spoke glowingly of cooperation between Israel and Myanmar. Israelis with business interests in Myanmar were also in attendance. 

Myanmar is currently the world’s largest producer of sesame, with 15% of the world’s sesame seed originating in Myanmar. Despite being the largest producer of sesame, Myanmar has a low yield per hectare, half of that of China, the most efficient sesame-producing country. The Government of Myanmar has identified sesame as a priority crop. Due to many years of isolation during the military rule, Myanmar lags far behind in its agricultural techniques. Yet, if farming techniques and markets were improved, millions could be lifted out of poverty. Israelis from Tag International Development aided bee keepers in Myanmar to improve production. Now Israelis are going to Myanmar with a two-year plan to increase agriculture and help lift rural areas out of extreme poverty conditions.

Dancers in Myanmar traditional costumes performed. As traditional at state events, all stood at attention for the national anthems. 

Included in photo essay are the Ambassador from Republic of Albania Dr Bardhyl Canaj and his wife, Menashe Ragiv. and Dan Hotel Diplomatic Ambassador Jeremy Dery.