The opening ceremony of the Myanmar Consulate-General took place at the K-2 Government Guesthouse in Saint Petersburg on the evening of 5 March local time with the attendance of State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Also present at the event were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Council Member General Nyo Saw, Union Ministers U Than Swe, Admiral Moe Aung, Dr Kan Zaw, U Ko Ko Lwin and Dr Myo Thein Kyaw, Bago Region Chief Minister U Myo Swe Win, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of Commander-in-Chief, Myanmar Ambassador to Russia U Thit Linn Ohn, deputy ministers, Governor of Saint Petersburg Mr Alexander Beglov, the Russian Ambassador to Myanmar, cabinet members of Saint Petersburg, Myanmar Consul-General U Aung Pe Thet, relevant officials, scholars and invitees.

The ceremony commenced with the playing of the National Anthems of the two countries.
The Senior General, the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Governor of Saint Petersburg cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Consulate-General.
In his opening speech, Deputy Prime Minister Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe said that although Myanmar and Russia are geographically far apart, the two countries have established a strong and friendly relationship throughout diplomatic history due to the close bonds between their people. To enhance the growing bilateral cooperation, Myanmar has opened consulates-general in Saint Petersburg and Novosibirsk. The establishment of the Consulate-General in Saint Petersburg, a city with a rich history and advancements in political, economic, modern science and technology sectors, is believed to promote the mutual interests of both countries.

The governor of Saint Petersburg said the Myanmar Consulate-General was established in Saint Petersburg of Russia thanks to the strong and growing relationship between Russia and Myanmar. The establishment of the Consulate-General is expected to further enhance diplomatic ties between the two countries.
He also highlighted the role of the Consulate-General, which serves as a bridge between the two countries, expressing gratitude to the Senior General for taking immediate measures to be able to open the Consulate-General.

Afterwards, the Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs presented gifts to the Senior General and Saint Petersburg Governor, marking the opening of the Consulate-General.

After the ceremony, the Senior General and attendees posed for commemorative group photos.

MNA/KTZH

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