The situation in Myanmar has been chaotic since the military overthrew its leader Aung San Suu Kyi in February, but Russia supports its Southeast Asian ally and warns against sanctions.
“Thanks to Russia, our army has become the strongest in the region,” Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing told Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in a meeting in Moscow, according to the Tass news agency.
The friendship between Myanmar and Russia is only getting stronger and stronger, the junta leader continued.
Shojgu replied that Myanmar is a long-term strategic partner and reliable ally, and that military cooperation is an important part of the relations between the two countries.
Met the head of Russia’s arms exporter
My Aung Hlaing is on a three-day visit to Moscow. This is the third time he has been abroad since the military coup in February.
During the visit, he has had meetings with the head of Russia’s Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, and the head of Russia’s arms exporter Rosoboronexport, Aleksandr Mikhejev.
Although Russia has expressed concern about the large number of civilians killed in Myanmar, they are still concerned about developing relations with the junta.
In March, Russia’s deputy defense minister was present at a military parade in Myanmar, which included Russian jets, tanks and helicopters.
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