Regime media reported on Thursday that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko arrived in Naypyidaw for an “official goodwill visit” aimed at strengthening ties between Myanmar and Belarus.
“What the regime may want from Belarus includes agricultural technology and equipment, and medical supplies. [Both countries] also use the same weapons systems as Russia, so the regime can get military weapons as well as spare parts for aircraft, helicopters, and other military equipment much more cheaply from Belarus,” Aung Thu Nyain, a political analyst, told DVB.
Regime media reported that Lukashenko’s delegation was welcomed “with full ceremonial honours” received by senior regime officials, including the newly regime-appointed interim Prime Minister Nyo Saw and Transport and Communications Minister Mya Tun Oo.
The regime stated that Myanmar and Belarus established diplomatic relations 26 years ago.
Regime leader Min Aung Hlaing visited Belarus twice this year at President Lukashenko’s invitation for “diplomatic corporations.” He announced that regime elections would begin in December during his visit to the capital Minsk in March.
This is Lukashenko’s first trip to Myanmar and the first visit by a European head of state since the 2021 military coup.
“This visit will further strengthen their relations. There are plans that could encourage cronies to expand business operations through tax and customs agreements. Belarus may also send observers to support the military regime’s sham election. These ties enable the regime to evade sanctions and undermine international law,” Yadanar Maung, the Justice For Myanmar spokesperson, told DVB.
Lukashenko is expected to meet Min Aung Hlaing to discuss cooperation and sign agreements and memorandums of understanding.
The regime claims the visit will boost political and economic ties as well as collaboration in agriculture, culture and other sectors.
