Asia

Myanmar's military vows to join hands with civilian leaders

Associated Press
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Myanmar's commander-in-chief, General Min Aung Hlaing inspects officers during a parade to commemorate 71st Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sunday, March 27, 2016. General Min Aung Hlaing, addressed the parade saying that principles of democracy mean holding elections that some parties win and others lose. It is the first time the event has been held since Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party became the ruling party winning November 2015 elections.(AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo) (The Associated Press)

Myanmar military officers stand in lines during a parade to commemorate 71st Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sunday, March 27, 2016. The country's commander-in-chief, General Min Aung Hlaing, addressed the parade saying that principles of democracy mean holding elections that some parties win and others lose. It is the first time the event has been held since Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party became the ruling party winning November 2015 elections.(AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo) (The Associated Press)

A female military officer gestures during a parade to commemorate 71st Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sunday, March 27, 2016. General Min Aung Hlaing, addressed the parade saying that principles of democracy mean holding elections that some parties win and others lose. It is the first time the event has been held since Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party became the ruling party winning November 2015 elections.(AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo) (The Associated Press)

Myanmar's military chief has pledged to join hands with a new civilian government that takes over the Southeast Asian country next week, after 54 years of rule by the junta or its proxy.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing says the armed forces will work to bring about prosperity for the nation.

He spoke Sunday during the annual Armed Forces Day parade in the capital of Naypyitaw.

Myanmar's military ran the country directly or indirectly for five decades before handing over to a quasi-civilian government in 2011. Last year's elections propelled Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy into power, although the military remains a powerful political force.

Suu Kyi's aide, President-elect Htin Kyaw, will take office next Friday.