Replies to media: SAC Chairman replied to media aboard the special flight

At the invitation of Russian Federation President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Gregoryevich Lukashenko, Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing paid official State visits to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus from 3 to 9 March.

The Myanmar goodwill delegation led by the Senior General left Tolmachevo Airport of Novosibirsk of the Russian Federation by special flight in the afternoon of 9 March Russian Standard Time and arrived back at Nay Pyi Taw Tatmadaw Airport in the evening. On the way back to Myanmar, the Senior General replied to questions raised by the media at the exclusive interview aboard the special flight.

The full text of the replies is as follows: We have been independent for 77 years, but we have faced numerous conflicts. However, we are rich in human and natural resources. If we utilize these resources effectively, our nation will undoubtedly become a developed country. In seeking collaborative opportunities, we see Russia as a key partner.

While there are many countries we can work with, Russia stands out as the one that can act most swiftly. This is why we are approaching Russia with high hopes. Politically, we have already decided to move towards a multi-party democracy, as demanded by the people. To achieve this, we must foster cooperation on one hand and strive for internal peace on the other. The President of Russia has expressed his willingness to support Myanmar from the very beginning.

Similarly, the President of Belarus, Mr. Lukashenko, has also pledged full cooperation and assistance for our country. These commitments are a source of strength for us and will benefit our nation. Geographically, Myanmar is at a pivotal point. We are the westernmost country in ASEAN, with India, a nation of over 1.4 billion people, to our west. To our east lies China, with a population of around 1.4 billion, and to our west, Bangladesh, with over 160 million people.

Combined, these three regions represent a market of nearly 4 billion people. To the south, we have access to the Indian Ocean, and to the north, through China, we can reach Russia. To the west lies India, and to the southeast, the ASEAN nations. No other country has such advantageous opportunities.

Whether we base our economic activities here or use Myanmar as a transit point, we can connect with a massive market. The time is ripe for us to work together. To the EAOs (Ethnic Armed Organizations), I want to say this: let’s not focus on what we want, but rather on what is feasible and what should be done.

Everyone has desires, including myself, but not all desires are achievable. Therefore, it is better to focus on what is practical and achievable. We talk about democratic values, democratic rights, and the rights of ethnic groups.

Around the world, everyone seeks fair and balanced rights—one-sided privileges are never sustainable. This is something our ethnic communities should also consider. Agriculture and livestock are inseparable from the future of Myanmar.

In the future, science and technology will also be indispensable. Russia excels in agriculture and livestock-based industries, as well as in science and technology. They have the ability to integrate low-tech and high-tech solutions, which is exactly what we need. I am confident that if we collaborate in these areas, it will undoubtedly benefit our nation.