Myanmar junta chief visits Moscow

By AFP
13 July 2022
Myanmar junta chief visits Moscow
This handout picture taken on June 22, 2021 and released by the Russian Defence Ministry on June 23, 2021, shows Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (L) and Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's armed forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as they walk past the honor guard prior to their talks in Moscow. Photo: AFP

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing visited Moscow Tuesday, Russian media reported, as the US vowed to put pressure on his military regime over a 2021 coup.

Russia's embassy in Myanmar told the Interfax news agency that Hlaing was in Moscow on a 'private' visit.

'He plans to take part in the opening of a Myanmar cultural centre,' it said.

Russian state media reported the military chief was also due to meet officials from Moscow's space and nuclear agencies.

The announcement of the visit comes two days after Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowed to keep pressuring Myanmar's junta as he met democracy activists on a visit to neighbouring Thailand.

Since seizing power in a coup February last year, Myanmar's military government has detained thousands of pro-democracy protesters.

AFP