Presidents of Belarus, Myanmar meet for official talks at Palace of Independence

The talks were preceded by an official welcome ceremony involving the honor guard and the playing of the two nations’ anthems.

“The format of talks that began yesterday in an informal setting is good because it allowed the two of us to calmly discuss all areas of cooperation between Belarus and Myanmar and, most importantly, to talk about what concrete, real steps have already been taken toward our cooperation,” the head of state said. “The informal format is also important because it touches upon issues that cannot be voiced or discussed publicly. Therefore, we are continuing the conversation we started yesterday.”

“Over the last two years, we have thoroughly studied your country and gained a deep understanding of its needs. I must reiterate that Belarus has all the necessary technologies to assist, train, and provide the people of Myanmar with everything they need today and tomorrow,” the Belarusian leader said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled that he once described Myanmar as a state with a bright future, rich in mineral wealth and natural resources.

“It was no coincidence that I inquired once again about the current population of Myanmar. Your population is five times larger than that of Belarus. This is a huge figure, with human destinies behind it. First and foremost, these people need to be fed and clothed. In this regard, you can count on Belarus,” the head of state assured.

The President expressed confidence that Myanmar has already realized that Belarus and its citizens are reliable and capable of addressing many challenges facing the people of Myanmar.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also pointed out that recently Myanmar has passed a crucial stage in its development, ensuring political stability in the state: “The people provided very strong support to you and the forces behind you. You face the next difficult challenge – to help the people who believed in you and supported you in the recent elections. You can count on us in this regard as well. Everything we agree on, we will fulfill.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Myanmar is an important and promising partner for us in Southeast Asia. And we are glad to see positive dynamics of development of the situation both in your country and around it. As you and I have agreed, converting the most favorable conditions created at the top level into concrete mutually beneficial projects remains a priority task.”

The head of state stressed that the projects that rely on long-term economic cooperation are meant to become the engine to advance the ties between Belarus and Myanmar.

Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked upon the fact that the Myanmar President had arrived in Belarus at the head of a large delegation that includes representatives of the private sector. They had taken part in a Belarus-Myanmar business forum the day before. “According to reports from ministers, this forward-thinking forum has produced very good results,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

Addressing Min Aung Hlaing, the President said: “Every visit of yours and our meetings deepen our relations. And this visit will not be an exception. Looking back at the road we’ve traveled within a rather short period of time, we can state that Belarus-Myanmar cooperation produces results despite problems, the distance, and the rest.”