Moscow and Naypyidaw sign pacts in Kremlin summit as analysts note ‘symbolic’ nature of ties

The regime’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on Tuesday that Naypyidaw and Moscow signed 12 agreements during Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to the Kremlin in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin Aug. 17-18, adding that the two leaders discussed cooperation in defence, security, economy and technology.

“When we look at these kinds of agreements between Russia and Myanmar, a lot of them are very symbolic. They’re about reaffirming the relationship and saying things that matter to the other side; it’s not necessarily about implementation,” Richard Horsey, Senior Asia Advisor at the International Crisis Group (ICG), told DVB in an exclusive interview.