Myanmar’s strategic engagement at WWII Victory Day Parade
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By Phyo Lin Aung (NP News) - May 10
Myanmar’s participation in Russia for the Victory Day of the Great Patriotic War events signals renewed momentum in bilateral cooperation and regional diplomacy.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and Prime Minister of Myanmar, participated in Moscow in the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany, an occasion that has become a focal point for high-level international diplomacy.
At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing arrived in the Russian capital on May 8, accompanied by his spouse Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, Foreign Minister Than Swe, and a delegation of senior military officials. The visit underscores Myanmar’s continued commitment to strengthening its relationship with Russia — a partnership that has grown closer in recent years, particularly in the defense, energy, and diplomatic arenas.
Victory Day Parade
The Victory Day Parade on May 9, held annually in Moscow’s Red Square, serves not only as a tribute to the Soviet Union’s historic triumph in World War II but also as a stage for showcasing contemporary geopolitical alignments. This year’s event gathered leaders from 29 countries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and delegates from across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Myanmar’s presence at the parade highlights its deepening shift toward Eastern alliances amid an increasingly multipolar global landscape.
Myanmar’s military’s participation in the Victory Day Parade is a first for the country. It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to join the parade alongside military forces from many nations.
In a statement released by the state owned media, the Senior General’s visit is described as a key step in “cementing strategic cooperation measures in friendly relations, economic and security sectors, and other sectors between governments and people of both countries.”
Economic and defense focus
As part of the visit, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing held a bilateral meeting with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Moscow. The two leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in trade, humanitarian aid, regional stability, and investment opportunities. Both sides expressed optimism about building stronger bilateral ties, particularly in economic and development sectors.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Defence General Maung Maung Aye, who is also part of the Myanmar delegation, participated in a joint tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier alongside Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Colonel General Alexander Fomin. The ceremony was attended by Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov and military officials, signaling the depth of defense collaboration between the two countries.
Subsequent meetings focused on expanding cooperation between the two nations’ Ministries of Defence, including military-technical partnerships, officer training programs, and knowledge exchange on security strategies.
Media outreach and soft diplomacy
As part of a broader public diplomacy effort, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing gave interviews to Russia’s state-owned RT TV Channel and the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on May 8.
In discussions with the editor-in-chief of RT and a special correspondent from Krasnaya Zvezda, he addressed key topics, including the humanitarian assistance provided after the Mandalay earthquake and international support during rescue and relief operations. He also highlighted the ongoing humanitarian and sectoral cooperation between Myanmar and Russia.
The Senior General reflected on the historical importance of the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945) victory and shared his perspective on Myanma Tatmadaw delegation participating in the Victory Day celebrations for the first time.
He also spoke about Myanmar’s role within ASEAN and answered questions on the country's regional diplomatic standing and evolving international relations. His responses underscored Myanmar’s commitment to deepening ties with Russia and expanding bilateral cooperation.
Meanwhile, Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, spouse of the Senior General, held separate meetings with Mrs. Valentina Matvienko, Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, and Ms. Anna Nesterova, Chairperson of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (Russia), to explore cooperation in women’s leadership and international development.
Future prospects
According to some sources, the Senior General is also seeking to hold a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the visit — a move that, if realized, would further solidify Myanmar’s outreach to its two key geopolitical partners. However, any official statement regarding this meeting is expected only if both sides assess the situation thoroughly and deem it necessary.
Observers say this visit is more than symbolic. It represents a broader foreign policy effort by Myanmar to cultivate alliances that support mutual interests in economic development, national security, and international standing.
As Myanmar continues to navigate a complex international environment, the Victory Day visit reflects its strategy of leveraging commemorative diplomacy to build pragmatic and long-term relationships. With defense, economic, and diplomatic discussions underway, the trip could lay the groundwork for significant policy coordination and bilateral agreements in the months to come. –