Russia has announced plans to conduct naval exercises with Myanmar – a first in the nations’ recent history.
This was announced during a working visit to the Southeast Asian country by the commander-in-chief of the Russian navy, Nikolai Yevmenov. The visit began on Friday, according to a statement by the Russian Defence Ministry.
Yevmenov’s programme includes his participation in the opening ceremony of the inaugural Russo-Myanmar naval exercise and a tour of the participating warships, the Defence Ministry in Moscow reported.
No specific dates for these naval exercises have been announced.
Yevmenov is also scheduled to meet with Myanmar’s leaders with an aim to “strengthen naval cooperation” between the two countries, the Russian Defence Ministry stated.
This visit coincides with ongoing conflicts in the north of Myanmar, near the Chinese border, following a coordinated offensive last week by minority ethnic groups.
Russia has proven to be a valuable ally for the junta that took power in Myanmar through a 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi. Moscow has provided weapons and diplomatic support, for example.
Last year, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during one of his many trips to Russia after the coup, while the Myanmar army has described Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine as “justified.”
