Events

New page in history of diplomatic relations. Myanmar embassy opens in Minsk

MINSK, 21 August (BelTA) – A ceremony of opening the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in the Republic of Belarus took place in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

Taking part in the solemn ceremony on the occasion of the beginning of the work of the diplomatic mission were Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxim Ryzhenkov, Myanmar Minister of Foreign Affairs U Tin Maung Swe, Ambassador of Myanmar to Belarus Maung Maung Soe, and members of the Myanmar delegation.

Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxim Ryzhenkov noted that the opening of the embassy marks the transition of relations between Belarus and Myanmar to a new level. “We are symbolically opening a new page in the history of our diplomatic relations. Over a short period of time on a historical scale our states have achieved a lot,” he emphasized.

The official stated that the Myanmar embassy in Belarus had been opened as part of the efforts to fulfill the agreements secured by the presidents of the two countries. It also represents an important step that will contribute to the realization of all avenues of bilateral cooperation in practice. “As the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs I assure you that the work of the Myanmar diplomatic mission in Minsk aimed at reinforcing ties with Belarus will get all the support it needs,” Maxim Ryzhenkov said.

In turn, Myanmar Minister of Foreign Affairs U Tin Maung Swe stressed that the opening of the embassy represents a significant and positive symbol of the successful development of diplomatic relations between Minsk and Naypyidaw. “We are also glad and take pride in the fact that Myanmar is the second Southeast Asia country after Vietnam to open an embassy in Minsk,” he remarked.

Expanding the line of thought, the Myanmar minister of foreign affairs expressed gratitude to Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko for assistance with the opening of the Myanmar embassy. He also thanked top officials of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other ministries, government agencies, and institutions for good cooperation.

“I am convinced that cooperation between the Embassy of Myanmar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, and respective government agencies will become more efficient and fruitful in the future. I would also like to request further support and necessary assistance on the part of Belarusian authorities so that our embassy could efficiently perform its functions,” U Tin Maung Swe added.

While talking to reporters after the opening ceremony, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxim Ryzhenkov explained peculiarities of diplomatic practices with regard to the opening of the embassy. Such an event is always preceded by lengthy preparatory work on the part of the diplomatic mission’s personnel.

“Such work is crowned by an official solemn event. The Myanmar side had been looking forward to the visit of their leader, who could solemnly and officially open this embassy and introduce the new ambassador,” the Belarusian minister of foreign affairs noted. “Formally, the embassy had been operational since the ambassador presented his credentials to the president, but the official ceremony took place only now.”

Diplomatic relations between Belarus and Myanmar were established in 1999. Myanmar opened a consulate general in Minsk on 15 September 2023. Later on it was converted into an embassy. Later on the diplomatic mission will relocate to Parnikovaya Street. Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing visited the embassy’s construction site, was made familiar with the design of the facility and with the conditions that will be created for Myanmar diplomats in detail.