A Myanmar delegation led by a Union Minister has expressed interest in importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia and re-exporting it to China and Thailand via existing pipeline networks.
The remarks were made during a meeting on April 15 with Russia’s Minister of Energy, H.E. Mr. Sergei Tsivilev, during the delegation’s visit to the Russian Federation.
During the talks, the Union Minister highlighted Myanmar’s intention to facilitate the transport of Russian LNG to the country and use its pipeline infrastructure to distribute the energy onward to neighboring countries.
In response, the Russian Energy Minister said that Russia, Myanmar, and China plan to accelerate cooperation in the energy sector by establishing joint steering committees. He noted that Myanmar is well-positioned to serve as an energy hub in Southeast Asia due to its favorable geographic and strategic conditions.
He also stated that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Russia’s Ministry of Energy and Myanmar’s Ministry of Electric Power and Energy would be signed soon to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Arrangements have also been made for the Myanmar delegation to meet with relevant organizations in Russia’s electricity and energy sectors during their visit.
In the morning, Union Minister U Ko Ko Lwin and his delegation met with H.E. Mr. Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation. During the meeting, they discussed issues such as obtaining advice and technical assistance from Russia to rapidly develop Myanmar’s electricity and energy sectors as Myanmar forms a new government and opens a new page for the country, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in exporting oil and petroleum products between Myanmar and Russia, and enhancing cooperation in the electricity and energy sectors as well as other sectors.
In the evening, the Myanmar delegation led by the Union Minister met with H.E. Mr.Sholban KARA-OOL, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.
During the meeting, the Union Minister discussed the issues of enhancing cooperation between Myanmar and Russia in the electricity and energy sectors, establishing a strong supply channel for Myanmar to purchase crude oil and petroleum products from Russia on a long-term basis, and the possibility of obtaining loans from Russia at a particularly favorable interest rate for large-scale projects, which would speed up the implementation of projects.
The Speaker of the State Duma then said that they would provide necessary assistance in drafting contracts. The signing of the MoU for the export of oil and petroleum products from Russia to Myanmar is a very good step and we are happy and proud. We have instructed the relevant organizations to act based on the friendship between the two countries. He said that the discussions of the friend will be reported to the heads of state, and that he will meet with the Russian Minister of Energy as soon as possible. He added that cooperation in the energy sector between Russia, Myanmar and China is very important, and that his side will also make efforts. He said that Russia is ready to provide necessary assistance for the development of Myanmar and the peace and prosperity of the people of Myanmar.
