“The [Japanese] prime minister promised to help [Myanmar] by holding political dialogue between the Myanmar government and ethnic armed groups; alleviating poverty in Myanmar; and, improving the living standards of the people in Myanmar,” said Nai Hong Sarwho, a member of the UNFC, who attended the meeting between representatives of UNFC and the Japanese Prime Minister in Japan.

The Nippon Foundation, a Japanese philanthropic organization, sponsored UNFC delegates for their second visit to Japan, where the UNFC delegates met Shinzo Abe for about 30 minutes.

Nai Hong Sar, who also is a member of the New Mon State Party, said, “The prime minister’s speech was memorable; he said that after Japan surrendered in World War II, it [Japan] was poor and at that time, Myanmar gave rice to Japan, so Japan remember it with gratitude. So, Japan wants Myanmar to be peaceful,” he said.

The group's seven-day visit to Japan commenced on March 31.  A total of 23 members of various ethnic groups made up the UNFC delegation to Japan