Agreements made during SG’s visit to Russia
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By Phyo Lin Aung (NP News) - March 8
At the invitation of His Excellency Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC), who is currently on an official goodwill visit to Russia, held a private meeting with President Putin at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow on the evening of March 4, local time, according to a statement from the SAC.
Following their discussions, the two leaders issued a joint statement, announcing the successful completion of their bilateral talks. The statement highlighted the signing of 10 intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements, marking a significant step in strengthening the ties between Russia and Myanmar.
Intergovernmental agreements have been signed on several key areas, including the mutual recognition of educational qualifications and degrees, customs cooperation and mutual assistance, and the foundational principles for collaboration in the construction of a low-capacity nuclear power plant in Myanmar.
Additionally, the two countries signed protocols aimed at combating customs offenses, along with memorandums of understanding between their respective ministries of health. There was also an agreement on cooperation between the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Sports and Myanmar’s Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, as well as a commitment to jointly regulate nuclear and radiation safety to support the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The two sides also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the RK-Investment Fund and the Department of Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration of Myanmar’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Russian State Corporation for Space Activities, Roscosmos, and Myanmar’s Ministry of Science and Technology, focusing on the exploration and peaceful use of outer space.
Furthermore, the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Economic Development and Myanmar’s Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations jointly issued a statement announcing the successful completion of talks on a draft intergovernmental agreement aimed at promoting and protecting investments.
In addition, President Putin emphasized that the friendship between Russia and Myanmar has significantly deepened, and their cooperation has become more successful and advanced, which he found truly commendable. He also highlighted that the positions of both nations on most international issues are closely aligned. On May 9, Russia will celebrate the 82nd National Victory Day in Moscow, and President Putin extended an invitation to the SAC Chairman to attend the ceremony. He also expressed a desire for Myanmar's representative military delegation to participate in the Red Square parade, showcasing the strong bond of friendship between the two countries.
In response, the SAC Chairman noted that the diplomatic relations between the two nations, established in 1948, have now lasted for over 77 years. He expressed satisfaction with the growing depth of their friendship and the advancement of their cooperation. The SAC Chairman further shared that during this visit, Myanmar would officially open consulates in St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk, strengthening the dialogue and exchanges between the two sides. He also invited President Putin to visit Myanmar at a convenient time, reinforcing the commitment to continued bilateral cooperation.