MoHT Union Minister attends Russia-Myanmar Cooperation Strategies Conference, Myanmar-Saint Petersburg Tourism Forum online

 

April 27

 

The Russia-Myanmar Strategies for Cooperation Conference dedicated to the 75th Anniversary of Russia and Myanmar Diplomatic Relations was held at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (University) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation (MGIMO) on 24 April.

 

Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Aung Thaw joined the conference online. In his opening remark, the Union Minister said the diplomatic relations between the two countries bring firm and equal interest, value and mutual respect. Despite the geographical challenges, the people can communicate and make investments in trade, economy, tourism and industry.

 

Then, the Myanmar ambassador to the Russian Federation, the Russian ambassador to Myanmar and Pro-Rector Dr Stanislav Surovtsev of MGIMO made speeches respectively. Myanmar and Russian delegates discussed bilateral relations, diplomacy, education, IT and business.

 

The conference will be held from 22 to 29 April in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

 

On 25 April, the Union Minister attended Myanmar-Saint Petersburg Tourism Forum via video conferencing and made a speech. He said the tourism sector is one of the promising sectors for promoting mutual benefits. Direct airway and payment systems are the most important matters. Efforts are being made for attracting more tourists from Russia to Myanmar by forming the Leading Committee and Work Committee which comprise the Government and private sector under the “Welcome Russia” programme. The ministry and Russia-Myanmar Friendship Association jointly arranged a tour for Russian singers, video producers and bloggers to Myanmar from 11 to 19 April.

 

He said that most of the 4.36 million foreign vistiors to Myanmar in 2019 were Russians and talked about other proper bilateral cooperation to promote the tourism sector.

 

St. Petersburg Tourism Development Committee Deputy Head Ms Nana M Gvichia and Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism explained tourism-related matters.

 

Then, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Myanmar Airways International (MAI) Mr Tanes Kumar briefed the flight services operated by MAI and the rules to be followed while flying with the MAI.

 

Then, the tourism entrepreneurs of the two countries exchanged views on cooperation in tourism.

 

Next, Mr Vyacheslav Kalganov, Vice-Chair of the Committee on External Relations of St. Petersburg talked about the benefits of the forum and the event came to a close. — MNA/KTZH