Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing have concluded bilateral negotiations. Following the talks, a joint statement by the leaders was adopted, and a number of intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents were signed.
See also
Intergovernmental agreements have been signed on mutual recognition of education qualifications and degrees, on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs affairs and on the basic principles of cooperation in the construction of a low-capacity nuclear power plant in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. In addition, a protocol was signed by the customs departments of the two states on cooperation in combating customs offences, as well as memorandums of understanding between the ministries of health, on cooperation between the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and on cooperation in regulating nuclear and radiation safety in the peaceful use of nuclear energy between the Russian Federal Service for Environmental, Technological, and Nuclear Supervision and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
Additional to that, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Corporation for Space Activities Roscosmos and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, as well as the Memorandum of Cooperation between the RK-Investment Fund and the Department of Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
A joint statement of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on the conclusion of negotiations with respect to a draft intergovernmental agreement on the promotion and protection of investments was also signed.
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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Min Aung Hlaing, friends, and colleagues,
We are pleased to welcome to Russia the Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Mr Min Aung Hlaing, on an official visit.
Our countries are bound by truly strong bonds of friendship, traditions of support, and mutual assistance. All of this was once again clearly confirmed during the substantive and constructive negotiations that we held with Mr Min Aung Hlaing.
This year marks 25 years since the signing of the declaration on the fundamentals of friendly relations between our two countries. However, I would like to recall that as far back as 1948, the Soviet Union was among the first to recognise the independence of the young republic.
Subsequently, our country actively contributed to the establishment of Myanmar’s statehood and provided assistance in training national personnel. With the participation of Soviet specialists, major healthcare and education facilities were constructed. Russia continues to support the Government of Myanmar’s efforts in socioeconomic development, normalisation of the domestic political situation, and promotion of interethnic dialogue.
The new joint statement reaffirms the key principles of Russian-Myanmar partnership. This includes further deepening cooperation in trade and investment. By the end of last year, trade had increased by approximately 40 percent, reaching nearly 2 billion dollars. We are ready to work on expanding mutually beneficial trade.
Credit and financial cooperation is also taking shape. The intergovernmental commission is working actively, with its latest session held recently in the capital of Myanmar.
Energy constitutes a strategic area of bilateral cooperation, with Russia reliably supplying the Republic with essential energy resources. Last year, over 90 percent of oil on the Myanmar market originated from our country.
We are exploring opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector across other avenues, including the use of renewable energy sources. The intergovernmental agreement on the construction of a low-capacity nuclear power plant, signed earlier today, paves the way for providing Myanmar’s economy with affordable and environmentally friendly energy. This will serve as a strong impetus for further economic growth, the creation of thousands of new jobs, and the development of highly skilled national personnel.
Joint projects are also being implemented in industry and advanced technologies. With Russia’s assistance, a ground-based earth remote sensing complex has been launched in the Republic. Mr Min Aung Hlaing plans to visit the Progress Rocket Space Centre in Samara, where he will have the opportunity to acquaint himself with the achievements of Russian cosmonautics.
Cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere is similarly dynamic. Plans include the opening of a Russian Cultural Centre in Myanmar and the construction of the country’s first Orthodox church. In turn, two Myanmar cultural and religious centres are already operational in Russia.
We welcome the attention of Myanmar’s leadership to promoting the study of the Russian language among its citizens. Russian is currently taught at two prestigious universities and at the Armed Forces Academy. Plans include establishing a joint comprehensive school in the Republic and expanding Russian language instruction under the Russian Teacher Abroad programme.
Approximately 300 Myanmar students are enrolled at Russian universities, with around 10,000 specialists from our friendly nation having received training in Russia to date.
Mr Min Aung Hlaing has been invited to participate in the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War on May 9. Pursuant to existing agreements, a contingent of Myanmar’s Armed Forces will join Russian military personnel in the ceremonial parade on Red Square.
During the negotiations, current international issues were also addressed. The positions of Russia and Myanmar on many of these matters are virtually identical or very close. We coordinate efforts on key multilateral platforms and advocate for the peaceful and sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific region. Russia and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar are actively engaged in security cooperation as partners.
I would like to close by once again thanking all our Myanmar colleagues for the productive joint work.
Mr Min Aung Hlaing has a number of other various events planned in Russia, including meetings with heads of Russian agencies and regions, but it is safe to say already now that this visit by the Chairman of the Myanmar State Administrative Council has been a success, and the agreements reached during this visit will, without a doubt, further promote Russia-Myanmar partnership across all areas.
Thank you.
Prime Minister of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing (retranslated): President Putin, ladies and gentlemen.
I came on a visit to Russia at the invitation of Mr Putin. Russia is a reliable and trusted partner for our country, and we highly appreciate mutual respect, trust and cooperation.
Our relationship dates back to 1948. This year marks the 77th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Throughout these years, the relations between our two countries have become stronger and more robust.
During my visit, I had an opportunity to discuss a number of cooperation issues in order to improve the economic sector and friendly relations. During my visit, I had an opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, the Federation Council Speaker and the Chairman of the State Duma.
During the meeting, I had a candid discussion with Mr Putin, and I hope that from this point on we will be able to improve relations between our two countries. We successfully signed ten agreements at this event.
During my visit, I plan to open consulates general in St Petersburg and Novosibirsk which will improve and strengthen friendship and economic relations between our countries.
I am confident that from this point on we will be able to deepen relations between our two countries in trade, electricity, science and technology, the manufacturing industry, and establish mutually beneficial cooperation in other areas.
Russia is very important when it comes to ensuring global balance, so Myanmar fully supports Russia.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Russia for continuous support at the regional and global levels. I would like to note that Myanmar is ready to cooperate with the Russian Federation in the international arena in the future.
Mr President,
From now on, Myanmar will be ready to cooperate and deepen relations with the Russian Federation.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the warm welcome and for the excellent organisation of my visit. Thank you very much. I would like to invite you to visit our country at your convenience.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.