Russia has expressed its commitment to strengthening trade and energy cooperation with Myanmar despite international sanctions imposed on both nations. On March 4, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin informed Myanmar’s military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, that Moscow sees great opportunities for cooperation in a variety of industries, including agriculture, nuclear energy, and infrastructure.
“Despite illegitimate sanctions against both Russia and Myanmar, our trade and economic cooperation is expanding successfully, with mutual trade witnessing steady growth,” Mr. Mishustin stated. He emphasised that there is a lot of potential for continued collaboration in energy, transportation infrastructure, and peaceful nuclear technology.
Mishustin also claimed that Russian businesses are considering investing in Myanmar’s special economic zone in Dawei, a long-delayed project on the Andaman Sea that is envisioned as a vital industrial and transportation hub. However, he did not say which firms will be involved.
General Min Aung Hlaing, 68, who rarely travels internationally, was greeted by top Russian officials, including Sergei Shoigu, a key member of President Vladimir Putin’s security council.
Russia has been a strong ally of Myanmar’s military regime, providing air assistance and negotiating plans to construct a small nuclear power facility using an RITM-200 pressurised water reactor.
