Russia and Myanmar sign agreement to build small-scale nuclear power plant in republic

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Myanmar Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council, held talks in Moscow on 4 March. Following the meeting, the parties signed agreements on mutual recognition of education, qualifications and degrees, on principles of cooperation in the construction of a small-scale nuclear power plant in Myanmar, on the promotion and protection of investments, as well as a number of other documents.

During the talks, Putin noted the progressive relations' development between the two states, pointing out that trade turnover between the countries has increased by 40 per cent to about US$2 billion. He also thanked Min Aung Hlaing for organising Russia's cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He added that the Russian side reliably provides the republic with demanded energy resources: last year, more than 90 per cent of the oil supplied to the country came from Russia.

"The signed agreement on the construction of a low-capacity nuclear power plant opens the way for providing Myanmar's economy with cheap and environmentally safe energy. This will be a good incentive for further economic growth, the creation of thousands of new jobs and the emergence of highly qualified personnel"

Vladimir Putin President of Russia

In turn, the head of the Myanmar government emphasised that thanks to Moscow's efforts, the world is moving towards multipolarity.

"We have successfully signed 10 agreements at this event. During my visit, it is also planned to open Myanmar's consulates-general in St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk. This will contribute to strengthening friendly relations between our countries. I am confident that from now on we will be able to expand ties between us in trade, energy, science and technology, and other areas"

Min Aung Hlaing Prime Minister of Myanmar

Putin invited Myanmar's Prime Minister to visit Moscow to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory, while Min Aung Hlaing invited the Russian President to pay a visit to the republic.

In addition to talks with the Russian leader, Min Aung Hlaing met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin and Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergey Shoigu. Mishustin described Myanmar as an important partner of Russia in the Asia-Pacific region.

"We propose to step up cooperation in the investment sphere. Russian companies are ready to join the work of the Dawei special economic zone in Myanmar. This is a strategic project that will increase mutual trade turnover and create new jobs for small and medium-sized businesses"

Mikhail Mishustin Prime Minister of Russia

Vitaly Mankevich, Chairman of the Russian-Asian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RAUIE), said in an exclusive commentary to TV BRICS that Russia and Myanmar are actively developing trade and economic cooperation. In particular, Russia sees Myanmar as a promising partner in the export of energy, fertilisers, medicines and cars, and is also interested in importing local products.

Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Russia the previous day. On Wednesday, 5 March, Moscow will host a Russian-Myanmar business forum with the participation of government and business representatives.

Photo: kremlin.ru