Belarus and Myanmar strengthen ties during President Lukashenko’s second visit since 2021 coup

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko met with Myanmar regime leader Min Aung Hlaing on July 2 during a one-day working visit to the capital Naypyidaw, regime media reported. The meeting marks the latest effort by the two internationally isolated nations to deepen their economic and strategic partnerships. The stop in Naypyidaw was part of a broader regional tour by the Belarusian leader, which also included diplomatic visits to China and Indonesia. During the one-on-one talks with Min Aung Hlaing, President Lukashenko focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across a variety of sectors, including economic and industrial development, agriculture, pharmaceutical manufacturing and Humanitarian initiatives “We must build relations between our two countries that will serve as an example for other countries in this region,” Lukashenko stated during the meeting, according to a report by the Belarusian state media outlet Belsat TV. In response, Min Aung Hlaing echoed the sentiment, expressing his hope to further elevate friendship and multi-sectoral cooperation between the two nations, regime media noted. Deepening military and diplomatic engagement The July 2 meeting underscores a growing diplomatic closeness between Minsk and Naypyidaw over the past year. This marks Lukashenko’s second visit to Myanmar, following an earlier trip on November 27–28, 2025. Min Aung Hlaing has also been an active partner in the diplomatic exchange, having visited the Belarusian capital of Minsk twice in 2025. His first visit occurred in March 2025, during which he publicly announced his 2025-26 election plans, followed by a subsequent visit in June 2025. While official statements have primarily highlighted economic and humanitarian cooperation, international watchdogs have raised concerns about the military nature of the relationship. In June 2025, the whistleblower group Justice for Myanmar (JFM) published a report alleging that Belarus has actively supplied air defense technology to the Myanmar military and provided specialized training to its personnel. Both regimes have faced significant international sanctions and condemnation over their respective human rights records.