[ The ASEAN Post ] Myanmar Leader In Moscow For Security Conference

Myanmar’s junta chief arrived in Moscow on Sunday to attend a security conference, marking only his second known trip abroad since he seized power in a coup.

Myanmar Leader In Moscow For Security Conference

Myanmar’s junta chief arrived in Moscow on Sunday to attend a security conference, marking only his second known trip abroad since he seized power in a coup. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military overthrew civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) government in February.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing left the capital Naypyidaw Sunday on a special flight to attend the Moscow Conference for International Security, state-run MRTV said.

He was attending at “the invitation of Russian Defence Minister,” it said, adding he had been “greeted” by the Russian ambassador to Myanmar at the airport.

It did not give details on how long he was expected to stay in Russia, an ally and major arms supplier to the Myanmar military.

Myanmar’s embassy in Russia later confirmed Min Aung Hlaing’s arrival to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti.

“The commander-in-chief has arrived in Moscow,” an embassy spokesperson was cited by the news agency as saying.

This screengrab taken on 26 March, 2021 shows Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin (L) meeting Myanmar armed forces chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw. (AFP Photo)