Myanmar on Saturday denied the existence of severe religious and racial discrimination in the country which saw a series of communal riots in the past year.

The government stressed the need for all communities to preserve mutual respects, understanding, sympathy and patience, oppose hostilities of religious extremism and stand against those who are instigating the escalation of religious divergence and instability.

"Today, although stability has been restored in Myanmar, certain organizations both at home and abroad are portraying as if there exists severe religious and racial discrimination. All should be cognizant of the fact that such fabrications will further complicate the situation," the statement warned.

"Upholding the tradition of high dignity of Myanmar in which all citizens have been living with unity and amity without any discrimination of religion and ethnicity throughout history, we must continue to maintain peaceful coexistence in the future," the statement said.

The statement vowed to continue to work with benevolent states, the United Nations, international organizations and well-wishers for the resettlement and rehabilitaion of the affected people and ultimately for the lasting peace and harmony while reaffirming its commitment to religious and racial non-discrimination.

Myanmar was hit by communal violence in Rakhine state in May 2012, in Meikhtila in March 2013 and in northern Shan state's Lashio in May 2013.