Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing Embarks on Official Visit to Russia at President Putin’s Invitation

Nay Pyi Taw, The Gulf Observer: At the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, a high-level Myanmar delegation led by Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC), Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, departed from Nay Pyi Taw Tatmadaw Airport on a special aircraft yesterday morning to undertake an official visit to the Russian Federation.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his delegation were seen off at the airport by SAC Vice-Chairman, Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win, the SAC Secretary, council members, Union Ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), the Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command, and officials from the Embassy and the Office of the Military Attaché of the Russian Federation to Myanmar.

Accompanying the Senior General are SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Council Member General Nyo Saw, Union Ministers U Than Swe, Admiral Moe Aung, Dr Kan Zaw, U Ko Ko Lwin, and Dr Myo Thein Kyaw, Bago Region Chief Minister U Myo Swe Win, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, deputy ministers, and other military and civilian officials.

During the visit, the Myanmar delegation, under the leadership of the Senior General, is scheduled to meet with President Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, the Chairman of the State Duma, and other key officials of the Russian Government. The discussions will focus on further strengthening strategic cooperation across various sectors, including diplomatic relations, economic collaboration, and security cooperation between the two nations.

Upon arrival at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow in the evening (Russian Standard Time), the Myanmar delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr. Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and other senior officials. Also present were Myanmar Ambassador to Russia U Thit Linn Ohn, Russian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr. Iskander Azizov, and Myanmar Military Attaché (Army, Navy, and Air) Brigadier General Moe Kyaw.

A ceremonial welcome, in line with the traditional protocol for visiting heads of state on official friendship visits, was accorded to the Senior General at the airport. The Guard of Honour of the Russian Federation played the national anthems of both nations as a mark of respect. The Senior General then reviewed the Guard of Honour and received a formal salute.

During the ceremony, the Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation introduced senior Russian government officials to the Senior General, who, in turn, introduced members of his delegation. The Guard of Honour of the Russian Federation later conducted a ceremonial march-past in his honor.

This year marks the 77th anniversary of Russia-Myanmar diplomatic relations, reflecting a history of close bilateral ties, state-level exchanges, and sector-wise cooperation. Both countries are actively working towards enhancing diplomatic engagements and further promoting mutual relations in multiple domains.