May 12, 2016

Parliament Votes to Deepen Military Ties with Russia

Burma’s Parliament on Tuesday approved President Htin Kyaw’s proposal to deepen and formalize the country’s longtime military cooperation with Russia.

“This cooperation would contribute to turning the Tatmadaw [Burma Army] into a standard army for national defense,” said military representative Brig-Gen Than Lwin.

“The two countries have already maintained military cooperation for a long time. Burmese students [cadets] frequently study for master’s and doctorate degrees at Russian [military] academies.”

Tun Wai, a Lower House lawmaker from the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), said he supported the strengthening of military ties in light of potential long-term gains, but he expressed concern over to what extent signing a formal agreement with Russia might affect Burma’s ability to exercise an active and independent foreign policy. (Courtesy of Irrawaddy)

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