The Federation Council Speaker met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to discuss prospects for strengthening bilateral relations.
Speaker of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing.
She emphasised the significance of the Myanmar delegation’s official visit to Russia in enhancing bilateral cooperation.
“Special, trust-based relations with President Vladimir Putin set the tone for future collaboration and shape its agenda. This visit is particularly meaningful, reflecting the exceptionally high level of relations between Russia and Myanmar, which have endured for 77 years.”
Valentina Matvienko noted that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Foundations of Friendly Relations between Russia and Myanmar, which established the framework for bilateral cooperation. Over the years, she added, significant progress has been made across various sectors. “Following the talks with the President of Russia, several important documents will be signed, laying the groundwork for further collaboration. Through parliament, we will do everything possible to ensure that these agreements are successfully implemented.”
The Federation Council Speaker emphasised that Russia and Myanmar continue to foster mutually respectful relations based on shared interests. “Your visit to Russia will mark a new chapter in our cooperation,” Valentina Matvienko said.
The Prime Minister of Myanmar expressed confidence that his visit would further strengthen inter-parliamentary relations between the two countries. “We are keen to exchange experiences in legislative activities,” Min Aung Hlaing said.
The Federation Council Speaker also highlighted the potential for exchanging expertise in lawmaking and election observation with Myanmar’s parliamentarians.
The Prime Minister confirmed his readiness to welcome Russian senators as observers for the parliamentary elections to the Assembly of the Union, scheduled for late 2025.
Valentina Matvienko highlighted the strong potential for expanding ties with Russian regions where Buddhism has deep cultural roots, such as the Republic of Buryatia and the Republic of Kalmykia. She also acknowledged St Petersburg’s active efforts in fostering relations with Myanmar.
The Federation Council Speaker expressed gratitude to Myanmar’s representatives for their active participation in various events held in Russia. She gave special thanks to the Prime Minister’s wife, Kyu Kyu Hla, for her remote participation in the 4th Eurasian Women’s Forum in 2024.
Min Aung Hlaing praised the high level of organisation and the successful holding of the EWF events.
Valentina Matvienko extended an invitation to the Myanmar delegation to participate in the 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress and the St Petersburg International Economic Forum this year.
The meeting was attended by Federation Council Deputy Speaker Konstantin Kosachev, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Defence and Security Vladimir Bulavin, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Grigory Karasin, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture Lilia Gumerova, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs and head of the group on cooperation between the Federation Council and the parliaments of Asian countries Andrey Denisov, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy Alexander Varfolomeev, and First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Defence and Security Vladimir Chizhov.