The Chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, attended the Plenary Session of the 4th Eurasian Economic Forum (EEF 2025) at the Minsk International Exhibition Centre BELEXPO in Minsk, the Republic of Belarus, yesterday evening.
The forum was held with the title of Strategy of the Eurasian Economic Integration: Outcomes and Prospects. It was attended by the Rotating Chair of Eurasian Economic Union-EAEU President of the Republic of Belarus together with the President of the Russian Federation, the President of Kazakhstan and the President of Kirgizstan of EAEU member states, EAEU observer State President of Cuba, invited countries’ representatives from Mongolia and the UAE, the SAC Chairman, Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the special envoy of the President of Nicaragua. Moreover, government representatives from partnership countries interested in Eurasian economic cooperation, businesspersons and representatives from international organizations also attended the forum.
The Senior General and Heads of State from various countries were welcomed by Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Mrs Petkcvich N V.
At the plenary session of the forum, they were also welcomed by Belarusian President Mr Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko.
The plenary session was held with the title of Strategy of the Eurasian Economic Integration: outcomes and prospects. The Belarusian President delivered a speech. Afterwards, Heads of State from Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the Russian Federation, the President of Cuba, the Chairman of the Board of EEC, the SAC Chairman and Prime Minister of Myanmar and the special envoy of the Nicaraguan President delivered speeches.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said that the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) was established in 2015 with the aim of enhancing economic cooperation among its member states and improving the standard of living of their people. In line with these objectives, the Europe-Asia Economic Forum (EEF) — which includes member states, observer countries, invited nations, and international economic stakeholders — has been organized, and this year marks its fourth edition. Through these forums and collaborations with international organizations and countries, the EAEU has been able to progressively implement various initiatives to adapt to the changing global environment. These include enhancing its international presence, establishing a platform for cooperation in the transport and energy sectors, upgrading international payment systems, promoting the emergence of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), facilitating smooth investment flows across different development sectors, and advancing financial support mechanisms. In building a progressive human society, it is necessary for us to construct a unified and harmonious regional organization based on mutual respect and cooperation.
The fundamental principles of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) include following international laws, such as the equal sovereignty of member states and the inviolability of borders, as well as respect for national interests — values that are practically needed in today’s world. In the current global landscape, powerful nations are exerting political and economic pressure and imposing sanctions on smaller countries, and this is the violation of the fundamental principles of international relations. Myanmar wishes to express its support and admiration for the actions and achievements of the EAEU, which upholds sound principles that every nation should embrace and puts them into practice for global development. Just as Myanmar values and is interested in the EAEU’s initiatives and successes, the country will also continue to enhance its cooperation with the Union. It is also hoped that, in support of such efforts, the Chairman, member states, and the EAEU headquarters will continue to assist in these undertakings.
At this Fourth Forum, I would like to express that the theme of the Forum, “The Greater Eurasian Economic Integration Strategy — Outcomes and Prospects,” is a timely and appropriate topic. Under the leadership of His Excellency President of Belarus, we are fully confident that the Fourth Eurasian Economic Forum will bring about positive outcomes such as mutual trust, friendship, and cooperation among the participating countries.
The contact between Myanmar and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) began in 2022. At the invitation of Myanmar, a delegation from the EAEU and the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) visited the country and held extensive discussions with relevant ministries covering various sectors such as electricity and energy, agriculture, education, and transportation. The engagement gained momentum starting in 2023, during which a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation was signed between Myanmar and the Eurasian Economic Commission at the 26th Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum held in the Russian Federation.
Moreover, a delegation from the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) also visited Myanmar in 2024, resulting in the acceleration of multi-sectoral cooperation. Joint coordination meetings for the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation between Myanmar and the Eurasian Economic Commission were held — once in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, and once in Saint Petersburg, Russia. These meetings helped to strengthen collaboration and communication, laying the foundation for enhancing mutual relations. It is necessary to explore and promote potential areas of cooperation with the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union, particularly in sectors such as the economy and trade.
In today’s international landscape, which is fraught with numerous challenges, it is essential that we work together in order to overcome threats. In this collective effort to confront and overcome such situations, the role of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is of great importance. It is encouraging to see that the EAEU has demonstrated steady progress and notable successes in recent years, despite facing external economic challenges and sanctions.
Myanmar is also very enthusiastic about becoming a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). I earnestly request your kind support in facilitating Myanmar’s swift participation as an observer country in the EAEU.
The Senior General expressed his commitment to actively continuing to cooperate based on the existing friendship and mutual respect between Myanmar and the Eurasian Economic Union, as well as mutually beneficial collaboration and equality.
After the meeting, the Rotating Chair of EAEU President of the Republic of Belarus, the Senior General and Heads of State from countries, had documentary photos taken in front of a mining truck before the Minsk International Exhibition Centre BELEXPO.
The Europe-Asia Economic Forum has been held annually since 2022, hosted by the member state serving as the rotating chair of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The forum is organized to enhance economic integration and cooperation within the Europe-Asia region, with discussion topics set in advance to align with this goal. The first forum took place in 2022 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; the second in 2023 in Moscow, the Russian Federation; and the third in 2024 in Yerevan, Armenia. The fourth Europe-Asia Economic Forum (EEF 2025) is currently being held in Minsk, the Republic of Belarus, with over 2,700 participants from 33 countries attending. The forum features plenary sessions, roundtable discussions, and business meetings that continue throughout the event.
At the 4th Europe-Asia Economic Forum (EEF 2025) held this year, the Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar, participated in a plenary session discussion. Member of the Myanmar delegation, Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations Dr Kan Zaw also took part in the morning session discussing migration, multimodal transport, and digital transformation strategies to establish a sustainable long-term transportation system in the Europe-Asia region. In the afternoon session, Dr Aung Gyi, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, participated in the discussion on cooperation within the Europe-Asia Economic Union for effective development of the agriculture sector.
In the evening, the Senior General and Heads of State from countries attended the EEF 2025 dinner hosted by Belarusian President Mr Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko. — MNA/TTA
