Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in Moscow on Tuesday as the two governments look to strengthen their military, economic and political cooperation.
Putin opened the talks by highlighting the relationship between Russia and Myanmar, pointing to cooperation on foreign policy and security matters as well as a number of economic projects being pursued by the two countries.
Russia and Myanmar have held joint military exercises and developed plans for Moscow to build several major projects in Myanmar, including a nuclear power plant, a seaport and oil refineries.
The meeting comes as Min Aung Hlaing continues a series of foreign trips aimed at strengthening Myanmar’s international recognition and rebuilding its diplomatic standing.
He has also traveled to China, India, Laos and Thailand.
Myanmar, however, has remained largely isolated internationally since the country’s military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.
Western governments responded to the military takeover and subsequent repression of opposition forces by imposing political and economic sanctions.
Thousands of civilians have been killed amid the violence, which has developed into a civil war.
Russia has emerged as a major international supporter of Min Aung Hlaing’s government, defending it in international forums. Myanmar’s ruling generals, meanwhile, have generally supported Moscow’s foreign policy agenda.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Min Aung Hlaing thanked Putin for Russia’s political backing and stressed that Myanmar has remained a reliable partner.
Russia and China are also major arms suppliers to Myanmar.
Russian-made fighter jets have been used in attacks against territory controlled by ethnic minority groups, including groups allied with pro-democracy resistance forces.
The two countries are also looking to expand their economic relationship.
Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov told reporters that Moscow is prepared to increase shipments of oil products, fertilizers and equipment to Myanmar.
Russia is also looking to increase its imports of Myanmar’s agricultural products and textiles.
Tuesday’s trip marks Min Aung Hlaing’s seventh visit to Russia, highlighting the relationship the two governments have developed.
He previously met Putin in September on the sidelines of Moscow’s World Atomic Week Forum.
Putin, however, has never traveled to Myanmar.
Min Aung Hlaing was inaugurated in April following a general election that United Nations experts and rights groups determined was neither free nor fair.
The election was conducted in phases during December and January.
Critics dismissed the vote as a sham intended to strengthen the military’s grip on power while giving the appearance that civilian rule was being restored.
Despite continued international isolation and Western sanctions, Min Aung Hlaing has continued pursuing relationships abroad, with Russia remaining one of his government’s most important supporters.
Tuesday’s meeting with Putin underscored those growing ties, with the two countries continuing cooperation spanning military exercises, arms, energy projects, infrastructure and trade.
