Putin hosts Myanmar leader for cooperation talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently hosted Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing in Moscow to deepen bilateral ties. This marks Min Aung Hlaing's first trip since assuming Myanmar's presidency. It is his seventh visit since the military seized power in 2021, plunging Myanmar into civil war. The leaders focused on security cooperation. Russia remains a significant arms supplier to Myanmar. Discussions also included future joint military drills, underscoring expanding defense ties. Energy was a pivotal topic. Russia is discussing the construction of an oil refinery and projects for hydrocarbon production and exploration. Supplying Russian liquefied natural gas to Myanmar was also explored. These initiatives build upon existing plans for Russia to construct a small-scale nuclear power plant in Myanmar. Beyond security and energy, leaders addressed broader economic and trade cooperation. Russia is ready to increase supplies of oil products, fertilizers, and equipment, and to boost imports of agricultural products and textiles from Myanmar. Investments in key infrastructure projects, like the Dawei Economic Zone, were discussed. Talks extended to space exploration, including plans for selecting and training Myanmar's first cosmonaut. Min Aung Hlaing thanked Russia for its political support. Russia has consistently defended Myanmar's military government, while Myanmar's generals align with Moscow's foreign policy. This deepening engagement occurs as Myanmar faces international isolation and Western sanctions following the 2021 military takeover.
