Russia foreign minister arrives in Myanmar to boost bilateral ties
Bangkok, Aug 3 (EFE).- Russia’s foreign minister arrived in Myanmar on Wednesday on a trip aimed at further boosting bilateral relations.
Sergei Lavrov arrived in the morning in Naypyidaw, where he will meet the head of the military junta, General Min Aung Hlaing.
The visit to Myanmar precedes Lavrov’s trip to Cambodia to attend a meeting of foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its partners, including the United States.
Naypyidaw and Moscow maintain strong diplomatic and economic ties that strengthened in recent months following their isolation after the vehement rejection of the Feb.1, 2021, coup in Myanmar and condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb.24 this year.
Lavrov met his military-appointed counterpart, Wunna Maung Lwin, Russian state agency Tass reported.
The Russian foreign minister will discuss the full spectrum of the bilateral relationship with his Myanmar authorities, including political dialog, economic-trade cooperation, defense and security ties, and humanitarian contacts.
Since the coup, General Min Aung Hlaing has traveled twice to Russia.
The coup plunged Myanmar into a political, economic, and social crisis amid clashes between the junta forces and opponents.
According to Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, at least 2,145 people have died in violent repression by security forces.
The military regime has arrested 15,000 people, including ousted democratic leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. EFE
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