Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing heads to Russia for Putin talks

Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing departed Monday for Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin, Myanmar's presidency said.

The trip is his first visit to Moscow since he became civilian president. The presidency said it was intended to strengthen Myanmar's relations with Russia and expand strategic cooperation, including on security and the economy.

Min Aung Hlaing was accompanied by senior officials. His office said he flew out of Naypyidaw on Monday morning.

He is also due to meet Russia's prime minister and the speaker of the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, and attend a Myanmar-Russia economic forum.

Russia was among the few countries that backed Myanmar after the 2021 military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government and triggered a civil war.

Min Aung Hlaing was installed as Myanmar's president in April after elections dismissed as a sham by Western nations and democracy watchdogs. Myanmar and Russia signed a five-year military cooperation pact in February, though few details were made public.