Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing departs for Russia to expand energy and economic ties

Myanmar's junta chief-turned-president, Min Aung Hlaing, has departed for Russia for his first official presidential visit to the country, signaling an effort to deepen energy and economic cooperation. This visit is his fifth as president, having previously traveled to India, China, Laos, and Thailand.

Min Aung Hlaing, who faces Western sanctions, is seeking international legitimacy following his election as president after a military-backed party dominated a vote lacking significant opposition. His previous visits to Russia as junta chief included attending security conferences and holding formal talks with President Vladimir Putin in 2025, during which an agreement was signed to construct a small-scale nuclear power plant in Myanmar.

Russia is keen to explore opportunities for its energy companies within Myanmar. In February 2025, the two nations signed a memorandum on investment cooperation for the Dawei Special Economic Zone, which includes plans for a port and an oil refinery. Min Aung Hlaing's current delegation includes officials from the Tanintharyi region, where Dawei is located, and the head of Myanmar's aerospace agency.

Defense ties between Russia and Myanmar have also strengthened, with Moscow providing military training and scholarships to Myanmar soldiers, alongside arms sales. Russia has also offered to train Myanmar's first cosmonaut. The visit includes a Myanmar-Russia business forum aimed at further bolstering economic relations.