Russia’s Shoigu lands in Myanmar for political talks

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has arrived in Myanmar for a working visit to hold talks with the country’s top political leadership.

According to the Security Council press service, he was welcomed at the airport by Russian Ambassador Iskander Azizov and Myanmar Deputy Foreign Minister Kou Koy Cho, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Shoigu is expected to meet with Acting President Myint Hlaing and hold talks with Tin Aung San, the First Minister in the President’s Office and national security advisor.

The Russian Security Council noted that the visit follows Myanmar’s January 25 parliamentary elections, after which power is set to transition from military to civilian authorities. Russia has stated that it recognises the elections as conducted in accordance with international law.

The agenda includes a wide range of bilateral issues, including national and regional security, military and military-technical cooperation, trade and economic relations, and international coordination. 

Special attention will be given to cooperation between intelligence agencies, law enforcement, financial intelligence units, the Russian Justice Ministry, and the National Guard.

Prior to this visit, Shoigu was in China on February 1 for security talks.

By Jeyhun Aghazada