Study tour in Yangon: Delegation of Kalmykia Republic toured in Yangon

A delegation led by Mr. Batu Sergeyevich Khassikov, the Head of the Kalmykia Republic of Russian Federation together with Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein and Region Ministers visited Shwedagon Pagoda and paid homage to it in the morning on 9th December.

During their visit, the delegation explored historical information, the pilgrims’ direction, religious buildings, Buddhist Museum, and the photo exhibition at the pagoda. They also offered flowers, water, oil lamps, and incense at the Buddha Image in the reception hall of the pagoda.

Later, at the National Museum, the delegation eagerly studied exhibits such as the Sihathana Throne, the Yatanapon Era display room and Royal regalia exhibits, along with other historical objectives. They then toured landmarks in Yangon, such as the City Hall, the Ministers’ Building, the Royal Lake and the Karaweik Hotel, sale shops of Myanmar Gem Museum by motorcade.

In the afternoon, the Head of Kalmykia Republic and delegation members together with the Russian Federation Ambassador to Myanmar, Mr. Iskander Azizov, and officials from the Department of Religious Affairs paid homage to the members Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee led by Committee Chairman Sayadaw Aggamahapadita Aggamahasaddhamma Jotikadhaja Dr. Baddanta Candimabhivamsa in the hall of Buddha Image at Kaba Aye Pagoda.

During this visit, Committee Chairman Sayadaw Dr. Baddanta Candimabhivamsa, spoke on the flourishing of cultural, literary, and fine arts of Russian Federation in the past and present expressed pleasure in the strengthening of social and cultural relations between the two countries, good diplomatic relation existed since before and especially during the tenure of the State Administration Council Government, particularly in light of Russia's support for Theravada Buddhism and the permission for the establishment of Buddha statues in Russia. He also highlighted the significant role of cultural exchanges in promoting mutual respect and understanding.

The Head of the Kalmykia Republic remarked that Kalmykia is a region where Buddhism has long flourished, and they expressed their hope to acceptance of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee for the invitation in the organization of a Buddhist Forum in 2025.

He conveyed confidence that Buddhism could be further promoted in Kalmykia, similar to Myanmar, and that their efforts in this area would align with Myanmar’s efforts in Buddhist propagation. The delegation then presented Dhamma gift and offertories to the Sayadaws of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee.

In return, the Chairman Sayadaw of the Committee presented a gems stone painting of pagodas in Bagan as a dhamma gift. In the evening, the head of Kalmykia Republic and delegation members attended a dinner hosted by Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein, it’s reported.