Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC), Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who is currently in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, visited the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) yesterday morning, accompanied by members of the high-level Myanmar delegation.

During the visit, the Chairman of the AIFC Management Board, together with officials from industrial and trade companies of Kazakhstan, explained the centre’s objectives and operations. Discussions included AIFC’s role in financial services, high technology, investment and technological innovation, promotion of trade between Myanmar and Kazakhstan, investment opportunities in Kazakhstan’s special economic zones, secure work processes for investors, and industrial development measures.

The AIFC, located in Astana, was officially inaugurated on 5 July 2018. It was established to strengthen Kazakhstan’s financial sector and attract regional investment. Serving as a financial hub linked to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the centre is expanding cooperation beyond Central Asia to the Middle East, China, Mongolia, and global markets.

In the evening of 27 September, the Acting President and delegation visited the Baiterek historic monument and observation tower, where they viewed the urban development of Astana.

Later, they arrived at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, where they were welcomed by General Director Mr. Yakupov Daniyar Abaevich and officials. At the parlour, the hosts explained Kazakhstan’s history, the construction of the palace as a symbol of peaceful co-existence among more than 300 ethnic groups, the annual National Kurultai, interfaith dialogues, and ceremonies for peace and religious harmony.

The Acting President noted Myanmar’s own efforts to promote peaceful co-existence among diverse ethnic groups and discussed similarities in peacebuilding processes. He also inquired about the history and functions of the palace. The delegation then toured the theatre, palace, and museum exhibits.

At the museum’s Astana City section, Mr. Smogulov Nurasyl from the City Administration explained the relocation of the capital from Almaty to Astana on 6 June 2000, the city’s systematic master plan, infrastructure and transport networks, and urban development strategies designed to initially accommodate 800,000 residents, later expanded to meet the needs of the growing population. He also highlighted the city’s ongoing maintenance using modern techniques.

The Acting President and SSPC Chairman exchanged views on these developments before concluding the visit.