Myanmar Leader's Visit to Russia to Attend Bilateral Business Forum, Small Nuclear Power Plant Cooperation Draws Attention

According to Myanmar state media, Myanmar's leader Min Aung Hlaing departed for Russia on August 17 for an official visit. This is his first official visit to Russia since assuming the presidency in April this year, and the fifth country he has visited since taking office.

Nuclear energy cooperation is one of the key areas in Myanmar-Russia economic, trade, and energy cooperation in recent years. In 2025, during formal talks between Min Aung Hlaing and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, the two countries signed an agreement to build a small nuclear power plant in Myanmar. Relevant reports did not disclose the project's installed capacity, site selection, technical route, or construction timeline.

Russia hopes to expand business opportunities for its domestic energy enterprises in Myanmar. In addition to small nuclear power plant cooperation, Russia and Myanmar also signed a memorandum in February 2025 to conduct investment cooperation in the strategically significant Dawei Special Economic Zone, including the construction of a port and an oil refinery.

During this visit, Min Aung Hlaing will attend the Myanmar-Russia Business Forum. His delegation includes the Chief Minister of Tanintharyi Region and the Director General of the Myanmar Aerospace Agency. Tanintharyi Region is where Dawei city is located.

In recent years, Myanmar and Russia have deepened ties in areas such as defense. Reports also noted that Russia earlier this year expressed its intention to help train Myanmar's first astronaut.