‘Mongla and Wa will continue to work hand in hand,’ said a Mongla officer, on the groups’ 30-year alliance.

A delegation from Mongla’s Special Region 4 traveled to the Wa administrative capital of Pangkham to meet leaders from the United Wa State Army (UWSA) as part of a “New Year’s greeting tour” earlier this month.

Chairman of the Mongla-based National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) Sai Leun and other leaders from Special Region 4 met with UWSA vice chairman Xiao Ming Liang at Pangkham’s Panglon Hotel from January 15-16.

“It’s a New Year’s greeting tour. We met Wa leaders on our greeting tour. We have been allied for 30 years in 2019. We will hold a celebration—we are very happy and proud of this,” a Mongla officer told SHAN, adding that preparations for the event are underway. “Mongla and Wa have struggled together for so many years. Our chairman [Sai Leun] said that the Mongla and Wa will continue to work hand in hand.”

Representing Mongla in the meeting was chairman Sai Leun, vice chairman San Pae, general secretary U Kyi Myint, permanent central executive committee members Sai Aik Xiang Ler and Sai Kham Maung, chief of staff Lee Ah Chai and secretary Sai Mauk.

A delegation including UWSA chairman Bao Youxiang, vice chairman Xiao Ming Liang, external affairs vice chairman Zhao Guo Ang, deputy secretary Bao Youyi, and other Wa representatives welcomed the Mongla visitors.