Vatican City — May 2025-In a historic first, the College of Cardinals elected Robert Francis Prevost of the United States as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV has long served the Catholic Church through decades of missionary work, religious leadership, and theological dedication. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he was ordained in 1982 and later served extensively in Peru, where he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo in 2015.
Prior to his election, he held key Vatican roles, including Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. His papal name honors Pope Leo XIII, a historical figure known for championing social justice.
In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV stated: “Peace be with all of you,” underlining a vision of unity, dialogue, and global compassion. Fluent in Spanish and Italian, he is seen as a bridge-builder between traditions and modern reforms.
Observers note that Pope Leo XIV’s election could signal a renewed emphasis on missionary outreach, inclusion, and social responsibility within the Catholic Church.
Moscow, May 8 — Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar, met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan in Moscow as part of his visit to attend the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945).
The bilateral meeting, held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. According to official statements from both the Office of the President of Kazakhstan and Myanmar government sources, the leaders exchanged views on a range of issues, including humanitarian support, economic partnership, and regional cooperation.
President Tokayev began by offering heartfelt condolences to Myanmar over the recent earthquake in Mandalay, which resulted in significant loss of life. He affirmed Kazakhstan’s solidarity with Myanmar and expressed confidence that the country would recover through unity and effective governance.
Highlighting the long-standing friendship between the two nations, President Tokayev noted that Myanmar and Kazakhstan have consistently maintained relations grounded in mutual respect and trust.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing expressed deep appreciation for Kazakhstan’s support and sympathy during Myanmar’s time of crisis. He also marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 2025, calling for greater cooperation going forward.
The Myanmar side, as reported through official government channels, reaffirmed its intention to expand collaboration across multiple sectors, particularly trade, investment, and humanitarian affairs.
According to the Kazakhstan President’s press release, both leaders discussed opportunities to boost cooperation in key areas including petrochemicals, agriculture, digitalization, and transport-logistics. President Tokayev proposed reciprocal visits by business delegations to foster deeper economic engagement.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further strengthening Myanmar–Kazakhstan relations through practical and mutually beneficial initiatives.
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Moscow, May 2025 – Galina Karelova, Chair of the Council of the Eurasian Women’s Forum (EWF Council) and First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Self-Government, and Northern Affairs, met with Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, wife of the Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, to discuss strengthening cooperation on advancing the women's agenda between Russia and Myanmar.
The meeting was part of the Myanmar delegation’s visit to Moscow to mark the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic Victory.
According to the EWF Council, Senator Karelova expressed appreciation to Daw Kyu Kyu Hla for her engagement with the Eurasian Women’s Forum and acknowledged her active role in charitable work, education, healthcare, and initiatives that unite women, including those from military communities. Karelova also highlighted the significance of the First Lady’s video address to participants at the Fourth Eurasian Women’s Forum in 2024, describing it as substantive and widely appreciated.
Key projects and initiatives of the EWF Council were also presented during the discussion. Senator Karelova emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in expanding bilateral partnerships. She spotlighted the project “Women in High-Tech Industries: New Opportunities” as a platform to deepen intergovernmental cooperation on peaceful uses of atomic energy. She noted the potential for collaboration between women in the nuclear fields of both countries to promote public education in Myanmar on nuclear technology, radiation safety, and innovation, as well as to support capacity building in the sector.
More than 1,500 women from 42 countries have completed training through the “Woman Leader” program under the EWF Council’s educational initiatives. Karelova invited Myanmar women to join the next international cohort of the program.
In the area of entrepreneurship and global trade, the senator referenced the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance as a model for supporting female-led economic cooperation. She encouraged Myanmar's women leaders to explore opportunities within the Alliance and strengthen engagement with BRICS nations.
Senator Karelova also extended an official invitation to Daw Kyu Kyu Hla to participate in the upcoming forum-festival “Women for the Preservation of Traditions”, which will be hosted in Russia in autumn 2025.
Daw Kyu Kyu Hla welcomed the dialogue and reaffirmed Myanmar’s longstanding relationship with Russia. She noted that women’s cooperation can serve as a meaningful new dimension of bilateral ties and expressed gratitude for the EWF Council's warm reception and initiative.
Source: Eurasian Women’s Forum Council (EWF Council)
Moscow, May 7, 2025 — Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar, along with his high-level delegation, arrived in Moscow this afternoon to participate in the military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War victory.
The Myanmar delegation, including Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, was warmly welcomed at Vnukovo International Airport by Mr. Andrey Rudenko, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, alongside other Russian officials.
Myanmar's Ambassador to Russia, U Thit Linn Ohn, and Myanmar’s Military Attaché (Army, Navy, and Air), Major General Kyaw Soe Oo, were also present at the airport to receive the delegation.
As part of the official welcoming ceremony, the Russian Federation’s ceremonial honor guard lined both sides of the airport walkway to render a formal state-level reception.
According to an official statement released by the State Administration Council, the visit underscores the continued strengthening of diplomatic and defense ties between Myanmar and Russia.
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8 May 2025
In response to the recent earthquake emergency, Myanmar has continued to receive international humanitarian assistance to support affected communities. As of 4 May 2025, authorities have released a detailed update on the receipt and distribution of donated relief items.
This summary outlines the scale of global support and the national response mechanisms activated to ensure the aid reaches the hardest-hit areas in a timely manner.
📦 Relief Items Received Include:
Drinking water and various food supplies
Medical supplies and medicines
Essential consumer goods
Electrical appliances and tools
Surgical and clinical equipment
Multi-purpose items for displaced persons and emergency shelters
Distribution operations have been carried out through coordinated efforts in Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, and Shan State, with responsible ministries and local administrative bodies overseeing logistics and monitoring.
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Nay Pyi Taw, May 7 —At the official invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and Prime Minister of Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, departed for the Russian Federation this morning to attend the military parade commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945).
The Senior General, accompanied by his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, is leading a high-level Myanmar delegation. The group departed from Nay Pyi Taw Military Airport aboard a special flight and will participate in a series of diplomatic and ceremonial events organized to mark Russia’s historical triumph over Nazi Germany during World War II.
The Myanmar delegation was seen off at the airport by Vice Chairman of the SAC and Deputy Prime Minister Vice Senior General Soe Win and his wife Daw Than Than Nwe, SAC Secretary General Aung Lin Dway and his wife, council members, union ministers, Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, senior military officials from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and their spouses, the Commander of the Nay Pyi Taw Regional Military Command, and officials from the Russian Embassy and Russian Military Attaché Office in Myanmar.
Also joining the trip are Joint Secretary General of the Council General Ye Win Oo and his wife; SAC Members General Maung Maung Aye, Dr. Banyar Aung Moe, and Khun San Lwin; Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe; Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Kyaw Swa Lin and his wife; as well as senior officers, deputy ministers, and other relevant civilian and military officials.
During the visit, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is expected to attend the commemorative military parade and associated ceremonies. He is also scheduled to engage in separate bilateral discussions with other international leaders and delegates.
The visit is being viewed as part of Myanmar’s continued diplomatic outreach and strategic alignment with the Russian Federation — particularly in the areas of defense cooperation, economic collaboration, and mutual political support.
In parallel, Daw Kyu Kyu Hla is scheduled to meet with Ms. Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia, and Ms. Anna Nesterova, Chairperson of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance (Russia Chapter), to discuss potential cooperation in the fields of women’s development and social sectors.
Myanmar and Russia have maintained strong defense and political relations for decades, but ties have deepened significantly since the State Administration Council (SAC) took power in 2021. Russia has emerged as a key ally of the SAC leadership, supplying military equipment, providing diplomatic backing, and offering training programs.
Myanmar has also supported Russia diplomatically in international forums, while Moscow has extended repeated invitations to Myanmar’s SAC leaders to attend major Russian state events. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has visited Russia multiple times since assuming leadership in 2021, reflecting Myanmar’s efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation and diversify its international partnerships.
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Nay Pyi Taw, May 6, 2025 —The Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services has announced an extension of the Myanmar military’s (Tatmadaw) temporary ceasefire until May 31, 2025, to facilitate reconstruction efforts following the March 28 earthquake in Mandalay Region.
The initial ceasefire, effective from April 2 to April 30, was declared to ensure unimpeded humanitarian assistance and restoration work in the disaster-hit areas. The extension aims to sustain momentum in government-led and international recovery operations, particularly in rebuilding damaged infrastructure and housing.
In the official statement released on May 6, the Tatmadaw emphasized its intent to maintain national stability and support long-term peace. The statement noted that military restraint during this period is essential for the swift rehabilitation of earthquake-affected communities.
“The Tatmadaw will continue to support national interests by fostering peace and enabling uninterrupted recovery activities,” the announcement stated.
However, the military issued a strict warning to all ethnic armed groups and other armed organizations. The ceasefire terms explicitly prohibit any form of disruption to public transportation routes, attacks on civilians or military positions, and any attempts to mobilize forces or expand territorial control.
“Violations of the ceasefire that threaten peace and stability will prompt necessary defensive measures to protect the public,” the statement warned.
The Tatmadaw reiterated its call for all parties to refrain from actions that could jeopardize the fragile recovery period or derail peace-building efforts. The extension reflects the government’s prioritization of reconstruction, public safety, and long-term national reconciliation.
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