ITAR-TASS Media of Russian Federation interviews Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing
Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was interviewed by ITAR-TASS Media of Russian Federation about the situation of Russia-Myanmar sector-wise cooperation at the Credentials Hall of Zeyathiri Beikman in Yangon Region on 18 March morning. The following is the interview:
Q: Excellency, we would like to express thanks for taking time for the interview. Russia and Myanmar have established and maintained significant relations in history for many years. Last year, our relations with Myanmar reached its 75th anniversary. I would like to recall a point about the relations during my childhood days. Myanmar Prime Minister U Nu who visited the Soviet Union is the first Myanmar I have ever seen during that time. Since then I have beeninterested in your country.
Now, I have reached the point of interviewing Your Excellency, the Prime Minister of Myanmar.
So, the first question I would like to ask is “Which sectors are the most successful in the cooperation between the two countries and which are still remaining”.
A: Relations between Russia and Myanmar have existed in history for many years. Later, I will present a piece of evidence about the relationship. Bilateral
diplomatic relations were established on 18 February 1948 and now its age exceeds 76 years. There are various areas of bilateral cooperation.
We have been cooperating in multiple sectors since our country’s independence. But in the later periods, there is an increase in defence cooperation.
Defence has two parts. The first one is related to military and the second, technological and technical cooperation. Russia has provided assistance for the modernization of Tatmadaw and taught science and technology and military techniques to Myanmar military officers in Russia. It is the largest area of cooperation. But there are other areas of cooperation. They are the agricultural sector, medical sector, energy sector, mining sector and so on. One of the ongoing projects is a small-scale nuclear-power station we are implementing with the Russian atomic energy composer group of Rosatom. Another one is a fertilizer factory project to produce chemical fertilizers in Myanmar through Russian technology.
We are going to extend the project as the fertilizers are very effective in Myanmar at present. There are also many areas of bilateral cooperation including mining, wind power, solar power, and health and medicine production sectors.
We have plans to continue all those sectors.
Q: Excellency, please elaborate on the accomplished work programs and the ones that will be started soon during the time Your Excellency is serving as the Head of Government.
A: Vote rigging in the 2020 election was found. Instead of solving the problem, there were attempts to grab power by force. Hence, we had to declare a State of emergency and assumed the duties. So, vote rigging had become the first problem we had to solve.
A: When we scrutinized the problem, first we reformed the Union Election Commission (UEC). When we asked the new UEC check problem, it found that the number of eligible voters the former UEC announced exceeded 38 million. The scrutiny reports indicated that there were over 11.3 million fraudulent votes, which means nearly 30 percent were counterfeit votes. The volume of vote rigging was rather large.
Vote rigging occurred not only at a single place or few places.
It occurred in hundreds to thousands in all 315 townships where the election was held. I am telling the truth sincerely from the political point of view.
We just said that there was vote rigging. In fact, the case was rather ugly. After exposing it, we first took action against all the persons who were responsible.
A: As you know, COVID-19 infection was occurring during the time. The Second Wave arrived in Myanmar. Infection rate was high and over 600,000 were in-fected during the time.
Many of them died. So, I took the COVID-19 prevention campaign seriously in the leading role. We faced a lot of hardships during that time. One of them was lack of vaccines and oxygen supply. Friendly neighbours provided help. Friendly countries including Russia gave us vaccines.
So, we were able to save the lives of many national people of our country. Although the Third Wave came to Myanmar, we were able to quickly contain and control the disease. So, we can say that we have overcome this problem, and it is our second accomplishment.
A: Now, the third point. COVID-19 brought a global economic downturn together with it.
Myanmar was also facing it. Unlike others, the root cause in Myanmar was not COVID-19, but weak economic management that started in about 2018.
Thanks to our all-out efforts the economy recovered. But, we had to struggle very hard for it. We witnessed economic resurgence throughout the years from 2021 to 2023.
A: Another point is the internal peace and stability of Myanmar.
There are two factors as regards peace and stability. One part is the disorders and strikes conducted by disagreed persons after the declaration of the State of emergency. So, we had to restore peace and stability.
Another factor is internal armed conflicts that broke out since the country regained independence.
The country is still facing the conflicts. So, we had to amend the broken peace. We have reached an agreement at the Union Peace Conference in 2015. It was Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). We could sign it. We have been maintaining the NCA till now, and it is our main task. Lack of peace and stability is the main cause of low development in Myanmar.
So, we are trying to restore peace and stability.
A: As another point, the emergence of the State Administration Council was a consequence of the voting frauds. So, it was a consequence of the election rigging process. So, we have an ultimatum aim to hold a free and fair election. At a time when the process of the State of Emergency period, we will hold the election, At that time, we will hand over the State power to the National Defence and Security Council. Then, we will hold the election within six months under the leadership of the National Defence and Security Council. To do so, we will primarily emphasize correctness of the voter list not to cause voting errors. So, we will manage correctness of the voter list this year as much as possible. If the State is peaceful and stable, we have a plan to hold the election in relevant sections as much as we can even if the election is not held nationwide under the law.
Q: I know the Prime Minister have visited Russian many times. On your arrivals, I know you paid visits to the landmarks of Russia. So, I want to ask a
question. May I know your opinion over Russia and tell me please some points about Russia.
A: Despite far distance between the two countries, Russia and Myanmar are close to each other in morale due to similar past events. Russian was called Soviet in the past.
In the Soviet era, Russia was a world’s leadership country to manage the balance of world power. After the Soviet Union had disintegrated, Russian struggled much. At that time, due to morale of Russian people, leadership of the government and cooperation of Russian Armed Forces, Russia becomes a world’s leader country till today. I believe Russia is controlling a balance situation of the world. In my view, Russia is developing. As a significant point, Russia is located in the northern part of the world with cold areas. Moreover, Russia is located in the western and the eastern part of the world. So, I review that Russia plays a crucial role worldwide due to national condition. Furthermore, I firmly believe Russian would take a leading role in the important sectors of the world.
Q: Thank you for your expressions about Russia. I on my part have experiences of visiting Myanmar many times. Myanmar is very beautiful and pleasant country. I know more than 1 million foreign travellers visited Myanmar last year. Tell me please your rough plan how do you manage a large number of travellers from Russia to Myanmar and how do you serve Russian tourists to enjoy scenic beauties of Myanmar?
A: All countries are interested in tourism industry. It can earn incomes. Some amounts of international tourists pay visits to Myanmar. But, due to political situation, we saw visits of international tourists do not reach the deserved amount.
With regard to Russia, we have made many preparations for Russian travellers. For example, we arrange visa exemption for them and direct flights to Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. Moreover, we repair airports for landing of passenger flights from Russia and manage tourism sector. A large number of destinations can be seen in Myanmar from the south to the north of the country. So, we have so different characters, cultures and natural beauties. They can enjoy them.
And, we have one more advantage.
It is because there are many Myanmar officers who had taken learning in Russia.
Knowledge, trust over Russia and attachment are spread from them. As there are many persons who are influent in Russian language and culture, I believe it will contribute much to tourism promotion between Myanmar and Russia. On the other hand, we hold workshops on tourism promotion between Russian and Myanmar delegations.
Currently, Myanmar Airways International runs tourism flights between Myanmar and Russian twice a week.
If tourism industry booms between them, flights will be extended, I think.
Q: Thank you for your comprehensive clarification. I have experiences of visiting Yangon, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw and other cities. In this regard, please, give me advice on proper tourist destinations for Russian travellers in Myanmar.
A: I have said so. There are many diverse features from the south to the north of Myanmar.
Coastal areas can be seen in the south of Myanmar. Significantly, Myanmar possesses many beaches such as Ngapali and some others in Ayeyawady Region. Furthermore, travellers can visit a large number of ancient cities and religious edifices concerning the cultural heritages in the central part of Myanmar. In the northern part, they can enjoy the taste high mountains and cold season depending on the geographical conditions. We have many different cultural and climatic conditions.
For example, southern part of Myanmar receives many rainfalls, the central Myanmar is seen with hotness and northern part of the country is cold.
Moreover, we have cultural heritage at some areas like Inlay Lake. It is a rare scene of the world due to rowing the boat by leg. If travellers observe it, they can. In addition, landmarks such as prominent pagodas are located in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw. Last year, Maravijaya Buddha Image was built in Nay Pyi Taw. It is the world highest marble-carved Buddha image. Its weight was set a record worldwide.
It is a good site for the visit of Russian travellers.
Q: I have heard about the southern part of Myanmar. It was learnt that you are a native of Dawei. What is significant about the town? How beautiful is it?
A: In the southern part, there are so many islands. There are many natural beauties of islands and things under the water. We can enjoy them.
And then, there are beaches.
Maungmakan beach is famous in Dawei. A future prospect is that a deep sea port can be built there. We are trying to build a sea port where ships of 200,000 tons and above can dock. We are holding talks with Russia.
All these can be seen in the southern part of the country.
First of all we have islands and beaches, where there are enterprises that produce pearls.
The best pearls in the world are produced in our region. We hold pearl emporiums every year. I am not boasting that our pearls are the best. Pearls produced in Myanmar are actually the best pearls including natural ones and cultured ones. And then, we can see many resources under the water. As for them, I will give you a documentary.
Q: As the Prime Minister is the head of state, you have to give a lot of time to perform duties for the country. However, I believe that everyone should have their leisure time. When we shook hands a moment ago, I could feel your strength. And I have seen your photographs in which you were wearing sports suits. So, I want to know how you spend your leisure time beneficially.
A: It is true that I don't have much leisure time as I have to perform duties of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services as well as the Chairman of the State Administration Council. However, I have to take care of my health. I go walking every morning. If I have time,I play golf on Saturdays and Sundays. Then, I read books.
I try to read about at least one or two new things within the limited period of time I have. I spend 10 or 15 minutes or half an hour reading books. Another thing is that I study what I should and take notes of them.
I try to get knowledge. As for sports activities, I go walking and play golf. They can refresh me. I try to do them as much as I can every day. Another thing is that I always try to stay with my family to create warm relations.
Q: After learning that you spend time creating warm family relations, I have another question for you. I have learnt that you are a good husband and a good father. Please explain briefly what lessons of life are important and what legacies you will hand down for your offspring.
A: What is important for my offspring and family is that they have acquired knowledge and education and must be able to stand on their own feet. These are their individual characters.
Another thing is related to mentality.
In our Buddhism, one must refrain from committing sins and always do good deeds while keeping one's mind clean and pure. We talk about such things. Don't commit sins and do good deeds. Keep your mind clean and pure. I always teach my family and offspring such things. As government employees and Tatmadaw personnel, we often have to perform duties in other towns. We have to travel to the outside of the town where our families live. I didn't have much time to spend with my family. They had to try for their education. However, their mother nurtured them. Another thing is to work for a living honestly. I have instilled such a mind-set in them. Another thing is that they have acquired their knowledge from their experience. They have studied their new knowledge based on already acquired knowledge and experience. They sometimes learn from the experiences of others. Their experience and their parents' experience alone will not be enough for them. People they have to deal with also have experience.
Such experiences have to be learnt through social contacts.
I always teach them to learn from the experiences of others and apply it for achievements in their lives. I can see that they have maintained such a mentality.
Q: As you just talked about Buddhism, I would like to ask a question related to Buddhism.
As far as I know, the majority of people in Myanmar profess Buddhism. Similarly, it can be seen that Buddhism is flourishing in Myanmar. The famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is a holy site for Buddhists. I myself have made pilgrimages to the pagoda many times.
Could you briefly explain your attitude and conviction about Buddhism?
A: There are many religions in the world. In addition to Buddhism, there are Christianity, Islam and Hinduism, etc.
According to these religions, the same content points are calm and peace, and I saw that they were only going towards peace.
However, there is something special in the Dhamma taught by The Buddha. That is what is said about Dhamma. Dhamma means morality, integrity and knowledge. We don't see it in other religions. However, there is a small law called Dhamma in what the Buddha’s teaching.
One thing is that morality is body and mouth. We are told by The Buddha not to say harsh words from the mouth and not to show harsh gestures.
The Buddha also told us to have a good mind, not to do anything bad, to have a good idea and keep a pure mind.
The Buddha also taught us about knowledge. Knowledge is to know deeply. Those who know deeply are scholars. The educated people depend on the depth of knowledge, and then he becomes an expert.
Therefore, these three things are among the unique teachings of The Buddha. So I think these teachings are something that any national should follow.
That's why this special part of Buddhism is very valuable to us.
We consider them the highest value among the teachings of The Buddha.
Q: Thank you very much for explaining about Buddhism like this. Thank you for knowing things that I didn't know yet. The name of our interview program today is Formula of Power. For the past 25 years, we have conducted many interviews with leaders and key monks in all countries. More than 400 interviews were conducted.
Today, we would like to ask a traditional question.
What kind of interpretation of power as a prime minister? I want to know what the Prime Minister's opinion about the power is.
A: Power means building a force to have a force. If you look at the ancient times, those who are less powerful have been building their strength so that they can dominate the other person. In doing so, from individuals to groups and from group to country, there are local people who have become like this. This is part of building strength. I also have a small opinion on strength. We say which strength is the strength.
Is it political power? Is it economic power? Or if it is the defence strength? The strength and the force are the same. By political power, we mean the forces lie within. If the country is strong, it shows that the country is united and strong. Political strength. Because the political attitude of each country will not be the same, it will not be fully achieved, but domestically.
The strength of the country has the same attitude, so there is a strong political strength.
Another thing is the economy, if the economy is strong, they say it is rich. If it is rich, if the individual is also rich, he can use his power to get it. Money can be used. It depends on the region and country. I see that if a country is rich in money, it can use its strength. In the same way, if the defense force is strong,
for example, an organization is strong on weapons, the other groups will not dare to touch it. This is the nature of such a group or nation. So if a country's defence force is strong, it has power in the region. You look at the world. If you look at the world, countries with financial wealth also have influence on countries with less financial power. In the same way, countries with strong military power can put pressure on other countries. Therefore, I think that these three are the factors that we have to consider in relation to these three kinds
of strength. Therefore, if a country wants to be strong, if a person is strong, they must strengthen themselves. What is your strength? How to do it yourself and how to build it? It has to go like this way.
Russia: Thank you very much for such a discussion. Thank you very much for your reply.
Prime Minister: Well. It’s ok.