Acting President and State Security and Peace Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has returned to Myanmar following working visits to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The visits, made at the invitations of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, included high-level meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. The Myanmar delegation was seen off from Astana Airport by Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Roman Sklyar, and other officials.
During the return flight, the Acting President answered questions from the media. The following is a summary of the discussion:
On the World Atomic Week Forum in Russia
The Senior General stated that attending the forum in Moscow provided a significant opportunity to meet with global leaders, including President Putin, the Belarusian President, the Prime Ministers of Armenia and Ethiopia, and the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The discussions centered on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and how it can benefit humanity. As an IAEA member, Myanmar gained considerable insight into potential applications for the country.
On outcomes from meetings in Russia and Kazakhstan
Separate meetings were held with both President Putin and President Tokayev. These follow-up discussions built upon previous talks held in March. With Russia, both sides reviewed progress and explored ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy, transportation, defence, space, and nuclear technology.
In Kazakhstan, talks focused on identifying new sectors for investment, transforming Myanmar’s raw materials into value-added goods within Kazakhstan, and enhancing collaboration in science, technology, and urban development. The Acting President described the outcomes of these discussions as very positive.
On the significance of the visit to Kazakhstan
This marked the first-ever visit by a Myanmar head of state to Kazakhstan, coinciding with the 26th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Noting Kazakhstan’s development and wealth of natural resources, the talks explored expanding economic cooperation, investment, and trade. There was particular interest in exporting Myanmar’s high-quality Pawsan rice. Both nations expressed strong enthusiasm for deepening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
On public cooperation in nation-building
The Acting President emphasized the need for a unified effort, urging citizens to look beyond political differences for the benefit of the Union. He identified two critical areas for national development: education and production.
He highlighted a current over-reliance on exporting raw materials like oil, natural gas, and forest products, rather than processed goods. A stronger economy, he stated, requires developing production industries to add value to the country’s resources. Using Kazakhstan as an example, he pointed to its economic structure, where industry and services make up a larger share of GDP than agriculture, and noted its efficient processes for investors.
Final remarks on the trip’s success
The Senior General characterized the visit as highly successful, citing the signing of new cooperation agreements on nuclear and space matters as significant steps forward for Myanmar.
He also noted the valuable lessons in urban development observed in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana. The city’s advanced planning and construction offered insights that could be applied to future development projects in Myanmar.
