Vladimir Putin said relations between Russia and Myanmar had become particularly trust-based in recent years, adding that economic and security cooperation between the two countries could be expanded further.
Putin met Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing at the Kremlin on Tuesday. The Russian president said relations had progressed steadily since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1948 and that Moscow and Naypyidaw actively cooperated on international issues.
Economic agenda between Moscow and Naypyidaw
Putin thanked Min Aung Hlaing for his support for developing Russia’s relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Saying that the two countries should advance their economic partnership, Putin noted that several projects were already under way.
The Russian president also expressed his condolences over the flooding in Myanmar and said that tens of thousands of people had been affected.
Myanmar signals plans to strengthen ties with Russia
Min Aung Hlaing thanked Putin for the warm welcome and recalled that Russia had supported Myanmar following the earthquakes that struck the country last year. The Myanmar president said that Russian search-and-rescue teams had operated in the country.
Min Aung Hlaing said Russia-Myanmar relations were developing actively, describing Myanmar as a reliable country for Russia in Southeast Asia. He said Naypyidaw was ready to further strengthen its ties with Moscow.
Agreements on a small nuclear power plant to be implemented
The meeting between Putin and Min Aung Hlaing was held as part of the Myanmar president’s official visit to Russia.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin also said the same day that Moscow was preparing to begin implementing agreements on the construction of a small nuclear power plant in Myanmar.
