Myanmar President Visits Russia for Talks With Putin

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing departed for Russia on Monday for an official visit that includes talks with President Vladimir Putin, marking his first trip to the country since assuming the presidency in April. The visit underscores the deepening ties between Moscow and Myanmar’s military-backed leadership amid ongoing international isolation for the Southeast Asian nation.

State media reported that Min Aung Hlaing left the capital, Naypyidaw, on Monday morning accompanied by a delegation of government officials, including cabinet members and regional leaders. The trip is focused on strengthening bilateral relations and strategic cooperation across economic, security, and social sectors. A key component of the visit is a Myanmar-Russia Business Forum, which will provide a platform for officials and business representatives to discuss economic links.

The visit comes as Russia has become one of Myanmar’s most important international partners since the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Moscow has maintained diplomatic and defense ties with Naypyidaw despite Western sanctions and criticism of the military authorities. The two...