In his message on the country's 64th Independence Day, he noted that the independence of Myanmar was won at the cost of blood and sweat and at the risk of life of all the people standing against the colonial rule.

"Today, some powerful nations are attempting to influence weaker ones resorting to various ways and means," Thein Sein warned, calling on the people to join hands in safeguarding and maintaining independence and sovereignty of their country.

Strong armed forces are needed to defend the national sovereignty, he said, calling upon all the people to turn out in the efforts to build a patriotic and competent army.