Myanmar Leader Min Aung Hlaing Visits Russia to Bolster Economic and Military Ties

Myanmar's president, Min Aung Hlaing, departed for Russia on Monday for his first official visit to the country since assuming the presidency in April, according to state media. The trip underscores the deepening economic and strategic alignment between the two nations, both of which face extensive Western sanctions.

Economic and Strategic Agenda

The visit is expected to focus on strengthening economic cooperation, with a Myanmar-Russia business forum on the agenda. Key areas of interest include energy and infrastructure, building on previous agreements between the two countries.

In 2025, Russia and Myanmar signed memorandums to develop the strategically located Dawei Special Economic Zone, including plans for a port and an oil refinery, and to construct a small-scale nuclear power plant. The delegation accompanying Min Aung Hlaing includes the chief minister of the Tanintharyi region, where Dawei is located, and the head of Myanmar's aerospace agency, signaling the importance of these projects in the talks, state media reported.

A History of Close Cooperation

Ad

This marks Min Aung Hlaing's first trip to Russia as president but his fifth since seizing power in a 2021 coup. He made four previous visits as junta chief, including formal talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in March 2025.

Russia has become a key partner for Myanmar's military government, which is isolated from many Western countries. The relationship includes significant defense ties:

• Moscow is a major arms supplier to Myanmar's military.
• Russia provides army training and university scholarships to thousands of soldiers.
• Earlier this year, Russia also announced it would assist in training Myanmar’s first cosmonaut.

The visit is part of a broader effort by Min Aung Hlaing to secure international legitimacy and build alliances. Russia is the fifth country he has visited since becoming president, following trips to India, China, Laos, and Thailand.