Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing  welcome back Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San on their return from Russian Federation

NAYPYIDAW CITY, 7 April — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San arrived back at Naypyidaw Airport in Naypyidaw City at 10.50 am today after paying a goodwill visit to the Russian Federation at the invitation of Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mr Mikhail Fradkov.

The Myanmar goodwill delegation led by Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San was welcomed back at the airport by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence and wife Daw Khin Lay Thet, Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence and their wives, ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads.

Members of the delegation — Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, Members of the State Peace and Development Council Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and wife Daw Khin Saw Hnin, and Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and wife Daw Myint Myint Soe, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence and departmental heads — also arrived back at Naypyidaw City.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye meets Russian Prime Minister Mr Mikhail Fradkov

YANGON, 7 April — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye met Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mr Mikhail Fradkov at the Meeting Hall on the 5th floor of the Government House in Moscow of the Russian Federation at 4 pm local time on 3 April.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Members of the State Peace and Development Council Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, and Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar to the Russian Federation U Tin Soe and Director-General U Nyan Lin of the Political Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Prime Minister of the Russian Federation was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Industry and Energy Mr Andrey G Reus, Assistant to the Prime Minister Mr Sergey Yu Vinokurov, Head of the International Relations Department Mr Tatyana D Valouaya, Chairman of the Federal Service of the Russian Federation on Narcotics Traffic Control Mr Victor Cherkesov, Vice-Chairman of the Russian Federal Security Department Mr Smirnov, Director-General of JSC Co Mr Nikolay Tokarev, Russian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Oleg V Kabanov and high-ranking officials.

At the discussions, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye explained sector-wise progress of Myanmar .

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and Russian Prime Minister Mr Mikhail Fradkov cordially exchanged views on promotion of sector-wise cooperation including trade and economy between the two countries, combating terrorist acts, and control of narcotic drugs in cooperation with international communities, and current international situation.

Main aim of goodwill visit is to open new chapter in bilateral relations Vice-Senior General Maung Aye Results of the discussions satisfactory Prime Minister Mr Mikhail Fradkov

YANGON, 7 April — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and Prime Minister of Russian Federation Mr Mikhail Fradkov held a press conference at 5 pm local time on 3 April in Avan Hall of the Government House in Moscow after their meeting.

Prime Minister Mr Mikhail Fradkov said, thorough discussions were made on bilateral relations and cooperation. He expressed belief that the discussions will enhance economic, trade and education cooperation between the two nations. The two countries have agreed to cooperate in ending international terrorism. There are plans to extend cooperation between the ministries of the two countries. The discussions between the two nations are constructive. Three agreements and MoU were signed on 3 April. Federations of chambers of commerce and industry of the two nations will also sign an agreement on 4 April.

Russia has interest in extending economic cooperation with Asia and Southeast Asia . Mr Mikhail Fradkov firmly said that the results of the discussions are satisfactory.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye expressed pleasure to have the opportunity to visit Russian Federation . He said, since Myanmar regained her independence, she has good relations with Russia . The main aim of the goodwill visit is to open a new chapter of bilateral relations in further cementing the existing friendly relations between the governments, the people and the Tatmadaws of the two nations.

Although the two countries are far away from one another, they have similarities. Myanmar always gives priority to extending friendly relations with Russia , which is a good friend of Myanmar .

Since the establish of bilateral relations, officials at different levels have exchanged visits to further strengthen bilateral relations. The joint declaration signed by the two countries in 2000 has been a sound foundation for cementing bilateral relations.

The Foreign Affairs Ministries of the two countries signed an agreement in 1999 to hold formal meetings. Thanks to the agreement, the two countries can make coordination at the UN and international forums. Myanmar fully understands Russia ’s stance in the UN reforms. It is believed that the two countries can cooperate in the matters concerning the UN reforms. Myanmar is glad to see bilateral economic opportunities between the two nations. Myanmar encourages the private sector cooperation in addition to government-to-government cooperation. Myanmar also invites and welcomes Russian entrepreneurs to invest in Myanmar . As Myanmar has business opportunities in agricultural and oil and gas sectors in addition to rice trade, she welcomes and invites investments and technology.

The discussions with the Russian prime minister are very fruitful. Myanmar and Russia have common stand and views in analyzing the international situation. It is satisfactory to note that four agreements on bilateral cooperation were reached during the visit. He hoped the visit is a success towards cementing bilateral relations.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, wife Daw Mya Mya San arrive in Moscow of the Russian Federation

YANGON, 7 April — At the invitation of Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mr Mikhail Fradkov, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, accompanied by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, Members of the State Peace and Development Council Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and wife Daw Khin Saw Hnin, and Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and wife Daw Myint Myint Soe, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, senior military officers, Director-General Col Kyaw Kyaw Win of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, left Mandalay International Airport at 10 am on 2 April to pay a goodwill visit to the Russian Federation, and arrived at Vnukovo-2 Airport in Moscow of the Russian Federation at 5 pm local time.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San were welcomed by Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar to the Russian Federation U Tin Soe and Deputy Director Mr AG Sviridov of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on board the aircraft.

A Russian woman presented a bouquet to Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San.

Russian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr AY Alekseev and Russian Ambassador Mr Oleg V. Kabanov and officials welcomed Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San.

The State Band played the national anthems of the Union of Myanmar and the Russian Federation while Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and Russian Deputy Minister Mr AY Alekseev inspected the Guard of Honour.

The Russian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs introduced high-ranking officials of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs who also welcomed the Myanmar delegation to Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya May San.

Next, a Myanmar boy and Myanmar girl presented bouquets to Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye introduced his entourage to the Russian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Afterwards, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party were welcomed by Daw Myint Myint Thein, wife of the Myanmar Ambassador, Military Attaché Brig-Gen Tun Tun and wife Daw Khin Thaung Nwe, staff of the Myanmar Embassy and the Military Attaché’s Office and families.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and Russian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr AY Alekseev took the salute of the Guard of Honour.

Later, the Myanmar goodwill delegation led by Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San stayed at the President Hotel in Moscow .

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Russian Prime Minister  Mr Mikhail Fradkov attend ceremony to sign two  agreements, one MoU between Myanmar and Russian Federation

YANGON, 7 April — A ceremony to sign two agreements and an MoU between the Government of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of the Russian Federation was held at the Meeting Hall on the 5th Floor of the Government House in Moscow of the Russian Federation at 5 pm local time on 3 April after the discussions between Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mr Mikhail Fradkov.

Present on the occasion together with Vice-Senior General Maung Aye were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Members of the State Peace and Development Council Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, and Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, ministers, Myanmar Ambassador to the Russian Federation U Tin Soe, Director of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Maj-Gen Aye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, and Director-General U Nyan Lin of the Political Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Prime Minister of the Russian Federation was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Industry and Energy Mr Andrey G Reus, Assistant to the Prime Minister Mr Sergey Yu Vinokurov, Head of the International Relations Department Mr Tatyana D Valouaya, Chairman of the Federal Service of the Russian Federation on Narcotics Traffic Control Mr Victor Cherkesov, Vice-Chairman of the Russian Federal Security Department Mr Smirnov, Director-General of JSC Co Mr Nikolay Takarev, Russian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Oleg V Kabanov and high-ranking officials.

Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar to the Russian Federation U Tin Soe and Director-General of JSC Co Mr Nikolay Takarev signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Cooperation in Petroleum Sector between Ministry of Energy of the Union of Myanmar and JSC Zarubezhneft the State Company of Russian Federation , and they exchanged the documents.

Next, Vice-Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control of the Union of Myanmar Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and Chairman of the Federal Service of the Russian Federation on Narcotics Traffic Control Mr Victor Cherkesov signed the Agreement between the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control of the Union of Myanmar and the Federal Service of the Russian Federation on Narcotics Traffic Control on Cooperation in Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors, and exchanged the notes.

Afterwards, Director of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Maj-Gen Aye Myint of the Ministry of Defence of the Union of Myanmar and Vice-Chairman of the Russian Federal Security Department Mr Smirnov inked the Agreement between the Government of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of the Russian Federation on the Mutual Protection of Classified Information, and they exchanged notes.

Russian Prime Minister Mr Mikhail Fradkov hosts dinner in honour of Vice-Senior General Maung Aye

YANGON, 7 April — Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mr Mikhail Fradkov hosted a dinner in honour of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye at the Reception Hall on the 3rd Floor of the Government House in Moscow of the Russian Federation at 5.45 pm local time on 3 April.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye was accompanied by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Members of the State Peace and Development Council Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, and Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, the ministers, Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar to the Russian Federation U Tin Soe, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence and departmental heads.

Also present at the dinner were Deputy Minister for Industry and Energy Mr Andrey G Reus, Assistant to the Prime Minister Mr Sergey Yu Vinokurov, Head of the International Relations Department Mr Tatyana D Valouaya, Chairman of the Federal Service of the Russian Federation on Narcotics Traffic Control Mr Victor Cherkesov, Vice-Chairman of the Russian Federal Security Department Mr Smirnov, Director-General of JSC Co Mr Nikolay Tokarev, Russian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Oleg V Kabanov and high-ranking officials.

After the dinner, the Myanmar delegation led by Vice-Senior General Maung Aye returned to the President Hotel in Moscow .

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye lays a wreath at memorial to fallen heroes in Moscow

YANGON, 7 April — Vice Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye on 3 April laid a wreath at the memorial to fallen heroes at Alexandrovsky Garden in Moscow , Russia and saluted them.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Members of the State Peace and Development Council Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, ministers, senior military officers, Ambassador of Myanmar to Russia U Tin Soe, Director-General of the office of the State Peace and Development Council Col Kyaw Kyaw Win, departmental officials, Military Attaché to Russia Brig-Gen Tun Tun, Russian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Oleg V Kabanov and Deputy Director of the Foreign Ministry of Russia Mr A G Sviridov.

National anthems of Myanmar and Russia were played on the occasion by the Russian military band.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye took the salute of the guard of honour and left there.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye meets Chief of Staff of the Russian Federation First Vice-Minister for Defence General YN Baluevsky

YANGON, 8 April — The Myanmar goodwill delegation led by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San held a discussion with Chief of Staff of the Russian Federation First Vice-Minister for Defence General YN Baluevsky at the Russian Ministry of Defence in Moscow in the Russian Federation at 12.30 pm local time on 4 April.

Also present at the discussion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Member of the State Peace and Development Council Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, and Military Attaché Brig-Gen Tun Tun.

The Chief of Staff of the Russian Federation First Vice-Minister for Defence General YN Baluevsky was accompanied by senior military officers of the Russian Federation .

They cordially discussed matters related to friendly relationship between armed forces of the two countries.

After the discussions, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and General YN Baluevsky exchanged souvenirs.

Chairman of Tyazhprom Export of the Russian Federation hosts luncheon to Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San

YANGON, 8 April — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San attended a luncheon hosted by Chairman Mr Ulyanov of Tyazhprom Export of the Russian Federation at the Floating Restaurant near Kremlin Palace in Moscow of the Russian Federation at 1.30 pm local time on 4 April.

Also present at the luncheon were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, Member of the State Peace and Development Council Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and wife Daw Khin Saw Hnin, and Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and wife Daw Myint Myint Soe, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, senior military officers, Myanmar Ambassador to the Russian Federation U Tin Soe, Military Attaché Brig-Gen Tun Tun, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Col Kyaw Kyaw Win, and departmental heads. After the luncheon, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party visited the museums of Kremlin Palace in Moscow .

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Deputy Governor of St. Petersburg hold talks

YANGON, 8 April — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and Deputy Governor of St. Petersburg Mr Lobko held discussions at the Office of the Governor of St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation on 5 April.

Present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, members of the State Peace and Development Council Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and Myanmar Ambassador U Tin Soe.

Deputy Governor of St. Petersburg Mr Lobko was accompanied by First Vice-Chairman of Mr Petruk of Foreign Relations Committee in St. Petersburg , Mr Arseshevsky of Foreign Relations Committee and Russian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Oleg V Kabanov.

Issues on economy and investment were cordially discussed. After the talks, Deputy Governor of St Petersburg Mr Lobko presented gifts to Vice-Senior General Maung Aye.

Daw Mya Mya San, wife of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, accompanied by Daw Khin Khin Win, wife of Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Daw Khin Saw Hnin, wife of member of the State Peace and Development Council Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Daw Myint Myint Soe, wife of Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Daw Myint Myint Thein, wife of Myanmar Ambassador U Tin Soe and officials, arrived at the Office of the Governor of St. Petersburg.

They were welcomed there by Information and Public Relations Officer Ms Svetlava Matveea and officials.

Daw Mya Mya San and party visited women’s boarding school founded by Empress Catherine, Tzar dynasty of Russia and the house where Lenin and his wife lived during the October Revolution. They were conducted round the museum by officials.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San meet staff, families of Myanmar Embassy, Military Attaché’s Office

YANGON, 8 April — The Myanmar goodwill delegation led by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San arrived at the Myanmar Embassy in Moscow of the Russian Federation at 6.55 pm local time on 4 April.

Staff and families of the Myanmar Embassy and the Military Attaché’s Office welcomed them.

First, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye extended greetings to staff and families of the Myanmar Embassy and the Military Attaché’s Office.

On behalf of Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein explained matters related to the goodwill visit of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye to the Russian Federation beginning 2 April, the traditional relationship between the Union of Myanmar and the Russian Federation and promotion of friendship between them, matters concerning the shifting of military units and ministries to Naypyitaw City, the programmes to build a modern, developed, discipline-flourishing democratic nation in line with the seven-step Road Map, and convening of the National Convention, which is the first step of the Road Map, to lay down the basic principles and detailed basic principles for formulating the new constitution, matters related to prevailing peace and stability of the State, ensuring food sufficiency and uplift of the education standard of the people for the emergence of a discipline-flourishing democratic nation, endeavours of the Government to fulfill the requirements while wiping out dangers posed by internal and external destructionists, and implementation of the border area and national races development plan, the 24-special-development region plan, and five rural development tasks for development of the nation.

The Secretary-1 stressed the need for staff of the Myanmar Embassy and the Military Attaché’s Office to discharge their respective duties conscientiously.

Next, staff and families of the Myanmar Embassy and the Military Attaché’s Office paid respects to Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San.

On behalf of Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein presented gifts to staff and families of the Myanmar Embassy through Ambassador U Tin Soe, and gifts to those of the Military Attaché’s Office through Military Attaché Brig-Gen Tun Tun.

The Myanmar Ambassador and wife hosted a dinner in honour of the Myanmar goodwill delegation led by Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San.

After the dinner, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, wife Daw Mya Mya San and party went back to President Hotel.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San arrive in St. Petersburg

YANGON, 8 April — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, together with Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, Member of the State Peace and Development Council Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and wife Daw Khin Saw Hnin, and Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and wife Daw Myint Myint Soe, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, senior military officers, Myanmar Ambassador to the Russian Federation U Tin Soe and wife Daw Myint Myint Thein, Military Attaché Brig-Gen Tun Tun, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Col Kyaw Kyaw Win, and departmental heads, accompanied by Russian Ambassador Mr Oleg V Kabanov, arrived at Vnukovo-2 Airport in Moscow at 9 am local time on 5 April to continue their goodwill visit in the Russian Federation.

After taking the salute, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Mr AY Alekseev inspected the Guard of Honour. At that time, the State Band played the national anthems of the Union of Myanmar and the Russian Federation .

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye greeted high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation who saw off the Myanmar goodwill delegation.

Likewise, the Russian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs greeted members of the Myanmar goodwill delegation.

The Guard of Honour marched past Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Mr AY Alekseev.

A Russian woman presented a bouquet to Daw Mya Mya San at the ramp of the aircraft.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Mr AY Alekseev saw off Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and Daw Mya Mya San at the ramp of the aircraft.

The aircraft carrying the Myanmar goodwill delegation led by Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San landed at Pulkovo-I Airport Zone A in St Petersburg of the Russian Federation at 11.10 am local time.

They were welcomed at the airport by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Governor’s Office of St Petersburg.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party proceeded to Hotel Astoria in St Petersburg .