Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, how do you see the future of political and economic cooperation between Myanmar and Kazakhstan? And how do you assess the prospects for broader engagement in Central Asia?
Diplomatic relations between Myanmar and Kazakhstan began on September 23, 1999. They are now 26 years old. Our countries are gradually developing political and economic cooperation. I have met with the President of Kazakhstan twice. Central Asia and Eurasia are considered a strategically important territory—the 'Heart Land' in geopolitics—because they are located at the center of the largest continent. Therefore, the region has strategic significance. I am confident that strengthening bilateral ties will help us cooperate more actively in Central Asia as well.
Central Asia is becoming an increasingly important hub for global security and logistics. In your opinion, how could Myanmar and Kazakhstan jointly contribute to regional stability and development?
Central Asia has always been an important transport hub between Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The Great Silk Road once passed through here. Therefore, the region's security and development are of great importance. Kazakhstan plays an important role in Central Asia. Myanmar also has a strategic location—between China and India, connecting South and Southeast Asia as a 'land bridge.' By leveraging such advantages, our countries can cooperate, exchange products, natural resources, and culture to strengthen the stability and development of the region.
Both Myanmar and Kazakhstan actively position themselves as countries open to dialogue and multilateral cooperation. What role, in your opinion, can our states play in reforming international institutions and promoting the principles of an equitable world order?
Today, the world is shifting from a unipolar system to a multipolar one. We must reduce our dependence on one superpower and develop ties with friendly countries. This will allow for fairer decision-making and resistance to external pressure. Major changes are also occurring in the economy—a 'new world order' is forming. Smaller countries must cooperate and expand trade across different regions. International organizations need to be reformed so that they adhere to their own charters and respect the sovereignty of all countries. Our countries can cooperate in this area.
Kazakhstan is viewed as a key transit and energy hub of Eurasia. Which areas of trade, economic, and investment cooperation do you consider most promising for Myanmar in its relations with Kazakhstan and the region as a whole?
Kazakhstan is rich in natural resources, exports oil and gas, and develops mining, transport, and agriculture, especially wheat. Myanmar is an agrarian country and also has mineral resources. It borders China and India, and connects Southeast and South Asia. We have fertile land, water, and a climate favorable for agriculture. Myanmar is one of the largest exporters of rice and pulses. Therefore, the promising areas for cooperation are agriculture, mining, transport, and energy. For this, we need joint work in the field of technology and investment.
Beyond economics and politics, how important do you consider the development of cultural, educational, and humanitarian contacts between Myanmar and the countries of Central Asia for strengthening mutual understanding and trust?
"The development of educational, cultural, and humanitarian ties between Myanmar and the countries of Central Asia is a very important aspect. Our two countries have different climates, locations, cultures, and economies. The combination of these differences is an advantage. Therefore, to maintain and strengthen friendly relations between our countries, it is necessary to expand not only intergovernmental ties but also people-to-people relations, which is why the development of these aspects is extremely important."
It is recalled that Kassym-Jomart Tokayev previously held talks with the Acting President of Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Welcoming Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that he views his working visit to Astana as an opportunity to establish cooperation between the countries.
Translation : from Russian to English
September 28, 2027
The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, expressed his country's readiness to pursue economic cooperation with Myanmar's Acting President, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who is also the Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission.
The announcement came during a meeting between Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the afternoon of September 27 at the Presidential Palace in Kazakhstan.
Despite the geographical distance, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that since Myanmar and Kazakhstan are friendly nations, he wishes to strengthen close cooperation in various sectors that will benefit both countries.
President Tokayev noted that while Myanmar is a country located in the south of Southeast Asia, Kazakhstan is strategically positioned to facilitate the best logistics operations from the Russian side. He expressed confidence that economic cooperation between the two nations could also lead to collaboration not only with Russia but also with other Southeast Asian countries.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing responded by saying he believes this meeting and discussion will serve as a driving force to enhance bilateral relations and implement practical cooperation.
According to a press release from the Myanmar government, the Acting President of Myanmar and the President of Kazakhstan held friendly exchanges on boosting cooperation in various sectors, including trade, agriculture and livestock, transportation of goods, oil, natural gas and mineral extraction, and political developments in Myanmar.
Accompanying the Acting President were Joint Chief of Staff General Ye Win Oo, U Than Swe Member of the Commission and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, Union Ministers U Nyan Tun and U Ko Ko Lwin, Myanmar Ambassador to the Russian Federation U Thit Lin Ohn, and other officials. The President of Kazakhstan was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. KOSHERBAYEV Yermek Bedelbayevich and other senior government officials.
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Putin Pledges Continued Discussion on Agreements Between Russia and Myanmar Governments to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing
Nay Pyi Taw, September 25 — Russian President Vladimir Putin told Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who is on a working visit to the Russian Federation at President Putin's invitation, that they will proceed with detailed discussions to ensure the continued implementation of agreements already reached between the governments of Myanmar and Russia.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, met with President H.E. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin this evening at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow.
The Senior General noted that the diplomatic relations between Myanmar and Russia span over 70 years, and that military-to-military diplomatic relations are also marked by strong friendship and joint cooperation efforts.
Following this, the two leaders exchanged views candidly and openly on matters concerning the promotion of friendship and cooperation between the two nations across various sectors. These included the peaceful use of nuclear energy, as well as cooperation in investment, electric power, health and pharmaceutical production, agriculture, education, strengthening defense cooperation, and collaborating with the international community regarding elections, among other areas.
Attending the meeting alongside the Senior General were Gen Ye Win Oo (Joint Secretary and Chief Executive of the Commission), Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe (Commission Member), Union Ministers U Nyan Tun, U Ko Ko Lwin, Dr. Myo Thein Kyaw, Dr. Thet Khaing Win, Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung, and Myanmar's Ambassador to the Russian Federation U Thit Lin Ohn, along with other officials.
Accompanying the President of the Russian Federation were the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office, the Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation, Ministers from the Ministries of Finance and Energy, along with other officials and heads of government agencies.
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Moscow, September 25, 2025 - Myanmar's Acting President, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who is also the Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, urged Myanmar students studying in civilian universities in the Russian Federation to work towards the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Myanmar's agriculture sector. He made these remarks during a scientific workshop held in Moscow on September 25.
The Senior General, who is on a working visit to the Russian Federation, spoke at the workshop titled "Youth and Future Myanmar – Science and Technology," which was held at the Radisson Collection Hotel in Moscow.
He stated that while efforts should be made to apply AI technology in education, healthcare, and transportation sectors, it is especially crucial for the agriculture sector, as Myanmar is an agriculture-based country. The Senior General encouraged the students to work towards the widespread application of AI in this field.
He also urged them to work effectively towards national and socio-economic development through the advancement and application of AI technology.
Furthermore, the Senior General emphasized the importance of developing nuclear technology in Myanmar and using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. He stated that skilled human resources would be necessary to establish a nuclear infrastructure, as nuclear and radiation technology could be applied not only in the energy sector but also in healthcare, agriculture, livestock, industry, and environmental conservation.
Following his remarks, representatives of the students from various civilian universities in Russia presented their scientific analyses. The Senior General and the Myanmar delegation members in attendance asked questions, engaged in discussions, and offered suggestions regarding the presentations.
The workshop was attended by General Ye Win Oo, the Secretary and Joint Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Commission member and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe, Union Ministers U Nyan Tun, U Ko Ko Lwin, Dr. Myo Thein Kyaw, Dr. Thet Khaing Win, Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung, Deputy Ministers, other officials, and the Myanmar students studying in civilian universities in the Russian Federation.
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NAY PYI TAW, September 23, 2025 — Myanmar's acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is set to pay a friendly visit to the Russian Federation in the coming days. The trip comes at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to a government press release, the Senior General will attend the World Atomic Week Forum - 2025, which will be held in Moscow.
During his visit, the Senior General will meet with President Putin and other Russian officials. The agenda includes discussions on strengthening and enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including diplomatic relations, trade, security, and strategic partnerships between the two governments and their peoples.
Senior General has visited Russia at least five times since 2021.
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NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar – September 23, 2025
The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) will contest the upcoming 2025 multi-party general election with the highest number of candidates, according to a statement from the Union Election Commission (UEC).
The UEC released a statement today, September 23rd, detailing the list of political parties and independent candidates who have registered to compete in the election scheduled to begin on December 28, 2025. The data reveals that the USDP has fielded the most candidates across all levels of parliament.
Among the parties competing at the Union level, the USDP stands at the top with a total of 1,018 candidates.
The National Unity Party follows with the second-highest number of candidates at 694, while the People's Pioneer Party is third with 672 candidates. The Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party will field 584 candidates, the People's Party 512, and the Myanmar Farmers' Development Party 428, according to the announcement.
A total of 4,963 candidates, including representatives from 57 political parties and independent candidates, have submitted their names to run for office.
The UEC also stated that the respective sub-commissions are currently in the process of vetting the submitted lists of candidates.
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YANGON, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- The National Theatre of Yangon came alive over the weekend, its grand hall brimming with color, music, and applause as audiences experienced Wu Opera, a centuries-old art form from China's Zhejiang Province.
The performance was staged to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 75th anniversary of China-Myanmar diplomatic relations.
More than 2,000 people attended the event on Saturday and Sunday. For many in the audience, it was their first time experiencing Wu Opera. Among them was Lwin Phyo Hein, a second-year student at the National University of Arts and Culture in Yangon. He said the opera's acrobatic flips left a strong impression.
He added that the live experience was far more vivid than watching online. "Costumes are excellent. I recommend it to my friends," he said, saying that cultural exchanges allow countries to share traditions and build stronger connections.
Artists of a Wu Opera troupe from east China's Zhejiang Province perform at the National Theatre of Yangon in Myanmar, Sept. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
Daw Thandar Aung, a 26-year-old lecturer at the University of Yangon, attended with four colleagues. She said she was delighted to see Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, come to life on stage, and it was her first time seeing the character outside of television.
She also praised the organizers for providing translations that made the performance easier to follow. "This performance not only entertains but also strengthens China-Myanmar relations," she said.
Nway Hnoung Shar, a 25-year-old teacher at the Myanmar International Education Center, said the opera reminded her of characters she had read about in books, describing it as an inspiring cultural exchange.
She emphasized that such performances let young people from Myanmar experience the cultures of both countries without the need to travel. "The opera is entirely new to me. It is excellent," she said.
Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia said during the performance on Saturday that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar. Over the past 75 years, the two nations have been bound by the deep-rooted "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship. The close exchanges in culture, art, education, media and other fields have helped to build a solid "bridge of hearts" between the two peoples.
"I believe that today's brilliant performances by artists of both countries will not only let us appreciate the unique artistic charm of traditional operas but also offer us a rare chance to witness shining on each other and prospering together through dialogue and exchange of ancient civilizations," she added.
Myanmar's Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn said, "It is a great honor and joy for Myanmar audiences to witness the performances of this famous troupe here today."
He added that cultural exchanges and mutual learning between Myanmar and China deepen the friendship between their peoples and strengthen relations at the national level.
On Saturday, the Zhejiang troupe performed six classic pieces, including "Lyu Bu Tries the Horse," "The Goddess of Heaven Scatters Flowers," and "Three Triumphs Over the Skeletal Demon."
Myanmar performers also contributed two pieces excerpted from the Ramayana classic play, "Rama Pursuing the Enchanted Golden Deer" and "Sita's Rejection of Dasagiri Courtship."
In addition, cultural booths hosted by the China Cultural Center in Yangon and the State High School of Arts in Yangon gave visitors hands-on experiences of Chinese and Myanmar arts and crafts, complementing the performances on stage.
Wu Opera, also known as Jinhua Opera, is the second major theatrical genre in Zhejiang Province, eastern China, and has a history of more than 500 years. It got its name from Wuzhou, the ancient name of Jinhua, and remains very popular there. In June 2008, Wu Opera was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.■
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