3rd Myanmar-Russia Biosafety Meeting boosts biotech cooperation
THE third Myanmar-Russia Coordination Meeting on Biosafety was held yesterday morning at the Ministry of Science and Technology in Nay Pyi Taw. The meeting aimed to facilitate the exchange of research and assessments on emerging biosafety threats across the Asia-Pacific region and worldwide.
The meeting was opened by Dr Aung Zeya, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology and Chair of the National Authority for Implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Myanmar acceded to the BWC in 1972 and ratified it on 1 December 2014, becoming the 171st State Party. Since this onset, Myanmar has complied with BWC provisions and submitted Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) to the Implementation Support Unit on eight occasions between 2016 and 2025, contributing to trust-building among countries each 15 April.
Given historical experience and contemporary biological hazards, biosafety is a sector of critical importance for ensuring the long-term survival of humanity. Threats may emerge from animals, plants, genetically modified crops and products, as well as AI-based biological technologies. The meeting is regarded as a key step in fostering strategic, long-term cooperation between Myanmar and Russia to address such risks.
Officials from the Russian Federation also attended, referencing the ten chapters of the BWC and discussing areas of bilateral cooperation in biosafety, strengthening regulatory measures, participation in international forums, and establishing communication channels to enhance national biosafety for the benefit of both countries.
During the discussions, the Deputy Minister provided additional guidance and presented a commemorative gift to the Russian delegation leader.
The meeting concluded with outcomes expected to strengthen the Myanmar-Russia strategic partnership, promote long-term mutual trust, and enhance Myanmar’s biosafety sector through advanced biotechnology cooperation with Russia, a global leader in the field. — MNA/KZL
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