Nay Pyi Taw May 10
The Myanmar high-level delegation led by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing paid a goodwill visit to the Russian Federation from 7 May at the invitation of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and attended the the military parade to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945 and related events.
The Myanmar high-level delegation led by the Senior General left Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow this morning for the Republic of the Union of Myanmar by special aircraft.
On the way back to Myanmar, the Senior General replied to queries raised by media onboard the special flight. The full-text of question and answer was mentioned as follows: –
Q: Senior General, during the Myanmar-Russia goodwill visit from 3 to 9 March, the outcomes of the discussions and negotiations were highly beneficial for Myanmar. Now, regarding this trip to attend the military parade for the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, I would like to know what kind of benefits or results for our country.
Senior General: This ceremony is something the Russian people deeply value and take pride in. They sacrificed over 26 million lives fighting back against the fascist Nazis who invaded the Soviet Union, in order to reclaim their country’s sovereignty. That’s why they hold it in such high regard. It’s something we should also respect. Myanmar, too, has a history of resistance against fascism. There is a historical account of how Tatmadaw and the people united to fight for independence. It’s a proud and strong part of our history. Therefore, I would like to say that it is necessary for us to continue maintaining and carrying out this matter. Another point is that it’s clear that if the country’s defence capacity is strong, and if Tatmadaw is strong, then the nation itself will also be powerful. It will also be necessary to further instill and promote patriotism and national pride among all citizens. Only then will all the people be able to contribute to Myanmar’s development and progress — that’s what I see.
Q: During the trip, we saw that you met with national leaders attending the military parade. What notable points stood out?
Senior General: I had both informal meetings and discussions with some national leaders. In particular, representing Myanmar, I expressed my stance, which is that I accept and support moving toward a multi-party democratic system. We are heading in that direction. Additionally, I explained to them that we plan to hold a free and fair election by the end of this year. The people I discussed this with accepted and expressed their support and encouragement, which I observed. Regarding Myanmar, I was able to explain the evolving situation to some countries, while with others, it was an introductory meeting. It was good—everything went well, and I’d like to say that all the meetings were positive.
Q: During the trip, we saw that you also met and discussed with the President of the People’s Republic of China, a neighbour-ing country of Myanmar. What would you like to say about this meeting and discussion?
Senior General: Myanmar and China are closely tied, friendly nations and strategic partners. They are also inseparable neighbours. Furthermore, our diplomatic relations have now sur-passed 75 years. Therefore, I’d like to say that we have a unique relationship. The President expressed his condolences for the loss of lives and damages caused by the Mandalay earth-quake, both verbally and through a message sent to me afterward. He also emphasized that China will continue to assist with reconstruction efforts related to the earthquake. He stated firm support for Myanmar’s sover-eignty, territorial integrity, and development. He also expressed encouragement for Myanmar’s stability, peace, and pro-gress. On my part, I affirmed Myanmar’s strong commitment to the One Belt One Road Initiative and our active participation in it. I was also able to broadly explain the changing circumstances in Myanmar. Additionally, we discussed pro-moting and implementing the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor. Further-more, regarding the multi-party democratic election to be held in Myanmar, the President reiterated his support for our preparations and the election itself. I’d like to say that the meeting and discussions yielded positive and fruitful results.
