Russian President Directs Implementation of "Peaceful" Nuclear Project with Myanmar

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered on Tuesday the continuation of the implementation of a project for peaceful nuclear cooperation with Myanmar, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries in economic, investment, and security fields.

Putin stated during talks with Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing in Moscow, according to a statement issued by the Russian Presidency (the Kremlin), that bilateral relations are witnessing continuous development in several areas, noting that there are “good foundations” for enhancing cooperation along the economic track.

The Russian president highlighted the importance of strengthening joint efforts, particularly in trade, investment, and energy, and expressed appreciation for Myanmar’s role in developing Russia’s relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He also conveyed his condolences to the victims of the recent floods in Myanmar and expressed hope for the recovery of the injured.

For his part, Myanmar’s president emphasized the importance of continuing to develop relations with Russia and enhancing bilateral cooperation, noting that the bilateral partnership is expanding in several areas, including energy, defense, trade, and investment.

In turn, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced the commencement of his country’s implementation of agreements related to the construction of a small nuclear power plant in Myanmar, pointing to good opportunities for both countries to expand bilateral trade and capitalize on available economic and investment potential.

He noted Russia’s desire to also expand tourist travel and air transport links with Myanmar, which would contribute to developing relations between the peoples of the two countries and enhancing economic and tourism exchanges.

The small nuclear power plant project comes within the framework of a government agreement signed by Russia and Myanmar in March 2025 concerning the principles of cooperation in establishing a modular nuclear reactor. The agreement includes cooperation on implementing a project with an initial capacity of up to 110 megawatts, with the possibility of future expansion.

Through the project, Moscow seeks to expand its cooperation with Myanmar in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, while the Russian company Rosatom works on developing nuclear and renewable energy projects in several Asian countries.

The visit of Myanmar’s president to Moscow comes within the framework of efforts by both countries to deepen their bilateral partnership, with economic cooperation, energy, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy topping the bilateral relations agenda between the two countries, alongside regional and international issues of common interest.