Moscow: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing has arrived in Russia for an official visit to strengthen the growing relationship between Moscow and Naypyidaw, a move that underscores Russia’s continued importance to Myanmar amid a prolonged political and military crisis.
Min Aung Hlaing left Myanmar on Monday with a high level delegation for the visit, which comes just months after he took office as president in April. It is his first official visit to Russia since becoming president and the fifth foreign country he has visited since taking the position. His recent overseas trips have included India, China, Laos and Thailand.
The visit is expected to bring renewed attention to the close political, military and economic relationship between Russia and Myanmar. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet Min Aung Hlaing at the Kremlin on Tuesday. The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to expand cooperation in several areas as well as regional and international issues.
Several bilateral agreements are also expected to be signed during the visit. While the full details of those agreements have not yet been announced, energy, trade, investment, technology and defence cooperation are likely to remain important areas of discussion.
Russia has become one of Myanmar’s most important international partners since the military seized power in 2021. Moscow continued to engage with the Myanmar authorities at a time when many Western governments imposed sanctions and reduced diplomatic contact with the military leadership.
Military cooperation has been at the centre of the relationship. Russia has supplied aircraft and other military equipment to Myanmar, and the two countries have conducted joint military activities. In February this year, Myanmar and Russia signed a five year military cooperation agreement, reinforcing their existing defence relationship.
The two countries are also looking at cooperation outside the military sector. Energy is an important part of the growing partnership. Russia has been involved in plans for a small scale nuclear power plant in Myanmar, following an agreement reached during an earlier meeting between Putin and Min Aung Hlaing. Moscow has also shown interest in expanding opportunities for Russian energy companies in Myanmar.
Space and technology have emerged as additional areas of cooperation. Russia has agreed to help Myanmar select and train its first astronaut, adding another dimension to a relationship that was once focused mainly on military matters.
For Myanmar, stronger ties with Russia could provide access to investment, technology and energy at a time when the country is facing major economic difficulties. The government is also seeking to increase foreign investment and improve its international relationships.
The visit is equally important for Min Aung Hlaing’s efforts to strengthen his position on the international stage. His move from military chief to president followed an election process that was widely criticised by Western governments and other international observers. His government continues to face sanctions and criticism over the military’s conduct and the continuing conflict inside Myanmar.
The country has remained trapped in a serious conflict since the military takeover in 2021. Fighting between the armed forces, ethnic armed organisations and groups supporting the opposition has continued across several parts of the country. Air strikes and other military operations have caused civilian casualties and forced large numbers of people from their homes.
Despite these challenges, Min Aung Hlaing has increased his foreign travel since becoming president. His visits to major regional powers suggest that Myanmar is trying to strengthen relations with countries that are willing to maintain diplomatic and economic engagement.
China remains another major partner for Myanmar, while India has also increased engagement with the government because of security, trade and border concerns. Thailand has supported greater engagement with Myanmar and has called for a more practical approach to dealing with the crisis.
Russia therefore forms an important part of Myanmar’s broader diplomatic strategy. For Moscow, the relationship provides a stronger presence in Southeast Asia and opens opportunities in areas such as defence, energy, infrastructure and technology.
The Putin and Min Aung Hlaing meeting could provide a clearer picture of how far the two countries intend to take their partnership. New agreements on energy, defence, investment or technology would signal that their relationship is moving beyond political support towards a deeper long term strategic partnership.
The visit also demonstrates how Myanmar is attempting to reduce its diplomatic isolation. While Western pressure remains in place and the conflict inside the country continues, Min Aung Hlaing is increasingly turning to Russia, China, India and regional neighbours to build political and economic relationships.
For Russia, maintaining close ties with Myanmar offers another opportunity to expand its influence in Asia. For Myanmar, Moscow remains a valuable partner that is willing to provide political support and practical cooperation despite international criticism.
The outcome of the talks in Moscow will therefore be closely watched, particularly for any new agreements that could strengthen military, economic and energy cooperation between the two countries. The visit is likely to reinforce a relationship that has become increasingly important to both governments since the military takeover in Myanmar.