A rare diplomatic move is taking shape as Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko prepares for a visit to Myanmar. This upcoming trip is important because it will be his first time traveling to the country. It will also mark the first visit by any European leader since Myanmar’s military took control in 2021.
The invitation was made by Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, who leads Myanmar’s ruling National Defence and Security Council. The council announced that the visit will take place “in the near future.” Both countries have decided not to share exact dates. They said the details are being kept private for security reasons due to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
This planned visit follows two earlier meetings between Alexander Lukashenko and Min Aung Hlaing. Those meetings happened in Belarus, first in March and again in June. During those discussions, both leaders talked about how they could work together to deal with sanctions placed on them by Western countries. Their talks focused on economic cooperation and finding ways to reduce the impact of restrictions on trade and financial activities.
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Strengthening Ties in a Time of Sanctions
Belarus is one of Russia’s closest allies. Myanmar also maintains strong ties with Russia. Because of these links, Belarus and Myanmar have become more connected in recent years. Russia has been providing weapons and military support to Myanmar’s junta. Russian President Vladimir Putin has met Min Aung Hlaing several times. One of their most recent meetings took place in Moscow in September, where they discussed defense and energy cooperation.
Myanmar has been heavily isolated by many countries since its military removed the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021. After the takeover, large protests took place across the country. These events were followed by clashes, arrests, and a growing civil war. In response, the United States and other democratic nations placed strict sanctions on the junta. These measures limited Myanmar’s ability to trade and work with the outside world.
Because of this isolation, almost no foreign leaders have visited Myanmar since the coup. One of the only exceptions was then Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who visited in January 2022. His visit was the first by a foreign leader after the generals took power. It was aimed at opening a path for talks, although the conflict in the country continued.
This is why the planned visit by Alexander Lukashenko stands out. Belarus is one of the few countries showing open cooperation with Myanmar’s junta during a time when most international leaders are keeping their distance. The earlier meetings between the two heads of state focused on how both nations, facing similar sanctions, could find ways to support one another. Their discussions included trade, technology exchange, and broader economic cooperation.
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A Notable Diplomatic Moment
Myanmar’s political and security situation remains tense, and the country continues to face a widespread civil conflict. Many governments avoid direct contact with the junta. Because of this, the visit from Alexander Lukashenko has drawn attention. It highlights how Myanmar is forming closer ties with countries that are also under Western pressure.
Belarus’s cooperation with Myanmar has grown alongside its ties with Russia. The repeated meetings among Lukashenko, Min Aung Hlaing, and Vladimir Putin show a network of support among nations dealing with sanctions and isolation.
This planned visit is notable not only because it is rare, but also because it is the first time since 2021 that a European leader is preparing to travel to Myanmar. The trip centers on continuing talks about economic cooperation, sanctions, and bilateral relations during a challenging time for both countries.