12.05.2025 – 16.05.2025 A Tate Papers A Pine 1

■ Chairman of the State Executive Council, Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who attended the military parade and related events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945) in Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, answered media questions on a special plane on his return to Myanmar today (May 10).

■ “I agree to go to a multi-party democracy. I will go there. If that is done, I will also explain to them that I will hold free and fair elections by the end of this year,” said Chairman of the State Executive Council, Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Q. . Senior General, the results of the discussions and negotiations during the Myanmar-Russia goodwill visit from March 3 to 9 were very beneficial for Myanmar. I would like to know what results the visit to attend the military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War has achieved for the country.

Answer. . This ceremony is very valuable to the Russian people. They honor it. They fought against the fascist Nazis who invaded the Soviet Union, and after more than 26 million people died, they fought to restore the sovereignty of Russia. So they also value it very much. This is an issue that I will pay attention to. Myanmar also had a history of fascist revolution. There is also a history of the Tatmadaw and the people fighting for independence together. A good history, a really strong history. So I would say that we need to continue to maintain this. Another thing is that if the national defense is strong, if the Tatmadaw is strong, the country will be strong. It is obvious that all the people will need to work to have more love for the country and patriotism. Only then will all the people be able to work for the development of Myanmar.

Q. . During the trip, I also met with the leaders of the countries who attended the military parade. What are the differences?

Answer. . I also had informal meetings with some leaders and had the opportunity to discuss. Especially from Myanmar, my opinion is that I accept the multi-party democracy system. I will go there. After that, I explained to them that I will hold free and fair elections by the end of this year. I also saw that everyone accepted and supported me. Regarding Myanmar, some countries were able to explain the changes that have occurred and some countries were able to introduce themselves. It is good, I would like to say that it is good to meet everyone.

Q. During the trip, I also met with the President of the People’s Republic of China, which is Myanmar’s neighbor. What would you like to say about this meeting as a Senior General?

A. Myanmar and China are friendly and close countries. They are also strategic partners. They are inseparable neighbors. Again, diplomatic relations have now reached more than 75 years. So I would like to say that it is a special relationship. The President expressed his condolences for the loss of life and damage caused by the Mandalay earthquake. He also sent me a message when it happened.

He also emphasized that he would continue to provide assistance in the reconstruction of the earthquake. He also expressed his strong support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development of Myanmar. He also expressed his support for the stability, peace, and development of Myanmar.