A delegation led by Mr Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia, Russian Federa­tion, arrived in Mandalay yes­terday morning by air from Nay Pyi Taw. They were greeted at the airport by Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung, regional government ministers, and other officials.

Upon their arrival, the del­egation visited the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda, where they paid respects and offered flowers, water, and gold leaves.

They later travelled to the Sitagu International Vipassana Academy in Sagaing. There, they paid their respects to Dr Bhaddanta Nyanissara (Sitagu Sayadaw), the State Ovadacari­ya, Shwegyin Nikaya Chairman, and Chancellor of Sitagu World Buddhist Universities and Sit­agu Hospitals. Discussions fo­cused on Buddhism promotion and propagation.

Returning to Mandalay, the delegation toured various religious sites, including the Kusinara Pagoda, the Maha Lawkamarazein Jade Bud­dha Image, and the Pagoda on Mandalay Hill, where they paid respects and admired the landmarks.

In the evening, Chief Minis­ter U Myo Aung hosted a dinner in honour of Mr Batu Khasikov and his delegation at the Min­gala Mandalay Hotel. — MNA/ TMT