Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing heads to Russia to deepen strategic ties with Moscow

Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is set to journey to Russia to enhance diplomatic relations and strategic cooperation, according to state media. President Hlaing departed from the nation's capital, Naypyitaw, on Monday morning, accompanied by his cabinet. They are scheduled to engage with President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials to discuss various aspects of bilateral ties, including economic, security, and social affairs, reported MRTV, the state-run television channel.

Russia and China are key backers and suppliers of arms to Myanmar. Russian-made fighter jets have been employed in assaults on regions controlled by ethnic minority groups, some of which are linked with the pro-democracy resistance movement. Hlaing had previously convened with Putin during Moscow's World Atomic Week Forum in September.

Putin has not visited Myanmar. This visit is part of a series of trips to foreign nations, including China, India, Laos, and Thailand, as Hlaing endeavors to bolster international recognition and restore diplomatic stature. Despite multiple visits, Hlaing has largely remained isolated on the global stage. During his visit, Hlaing will also partake in the Myanmar-Russia Business Forum.

Hlaing assumed the presidency in April following an election, which UN experts and rights organizations deemed neither free nor fair. Critics dismissed the polls as a farce aimed at cementing the military's hold on power while ostensibly restoring civilian governance. Hlaing's seventh visit to Russia since the February 2021 military coup led by his predecessor, Aung San Suu Kyi, took place on Monday.

Western powers have imposed economic and political sanctions in response to the military takeover and violent suppression of dissent, which have resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians and sparked a civil war. Russia has defended Hlaing's military regime at international forums, while Myanmar's ruling generals have largely aligned with Moscow's foreign policy objectives.

The two countries have conducted joint military exercises, signed a nuclear power development pact, and agreed to collaborate on human space flight initiatives, including the identification and training of Myanmar's first cosmonaut.