NSS – Aug 19

The Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu addressed during the 11th Moscow Conference on International Security that was held on August 15 that Russia will build a better military cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to Shoigu, Myanmar is one of the partners that Russia will expand its military ties with the region where he mentioned India as a major partner. 

"We share the common experience of fighting against colonial rule with Vietnam, Myanmar, Mongolia, Laos, Indonesia and Bangladesh," Russia’s defense chief reportedly said.

He also highlighted the NATO’s confrontation practices in the region saying that “We can see a distinctive trend of establishing a NATO-like alliance, AUKUS, in the region.” 

Russian President remarked that “Myanmar is a reliable partner for Russia in Asia,” when he met with Myanmar’s State Administration Council Chairman in Russia in 2022. 

There are US led military practices and talks in Asia and Pacific regions like AUKUS - a trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States; and the QUAD - a strategic security dialogue between Australia, India, Japan and the United where the latter is frequently referred to as ‘Asia NATO’ by the West media. 

The Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and other high Russian rank personnel received Myanmar’s one of the highest honorary title known as ‘Sithu’ in 2022. Those honorary titles are provided by the State in Myanmar for the rewardees’ remarkable efforts for the country’s benefits.