Belarusian President Lukashenko Visits Myanmar to Strengthen Ties Ahead of Disputed Election

Lukashenko Concludes Historic Visit to Myanmar

Naypyidaw, Myanmar – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko concluded a two-day official goodwill visit to Myanmar on November 28, 2025, marking the first time a Belarusian head of state has visited the Southeast Asian nation since diplomatic relations were established in 1999. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral ties with Myanmar's military government, which seized power in a 2021 coup, and comes just weeks before a controversial election planned for late December.

President Lukashenko was received with full state protocol honors upon his arrival in Naypyidaw on the evening of November 27, including a welcome by Prime Minister Nyo Saw and cultural performances. Three Su-30SME fighter jets reportedly escorted his plane into Myanmar's airspace.

Discussions on Bilateral Cooperation and Future Roadmap

During his visit, President Lukashenko held talks with Myanmar's military chief and Acting President, Min Aung Hlaing, at the Presidential Palace in Naypyidaw. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation across a range of sectors, including agriculture, food security, industry, pharmaceuticals, and humanitarian efforts.

Both leaders reviewed the progress of agreements reached during previous high-level talks held in Minsk in March and June 2025, when Min Aung Hlaing visited Belarus. A significant outcome of the visit was the planned signing of several bilateral documents, including a roadmap for cooperation for 2026-2028. Prior to the visit, Lukashenko had approved draft agreements on a mutual visa waiver, customs cooperation, and a double-taxation agreement.

Context of Myanmar's Disputed Election

The visit takes place against the backdrop of Myanmar's military government preparing for a multi-phase election, with the first phase scheduled for December 28. This election has been widely criticized by international observers and human rights organizations as neither free nor fair, and as a 'sham' designed to legitimize the military's continued rule.

Belarus has emerged as a staunch supporter and supplier of Myanmar's military government since the 2021 coup, alongside countries like China and Russia. Critics view Lukashenko's visit as a clear endorsement of the upcoming polls and an attempt to break the international isolation faced by the junta. Belarus has also indicated its intention to send election observers to monitor the process.

Deepening Authoritarian Alliance

Analysts suggest that the visit underscores a deepening alliance between authoritarian regimes. Lukashenko, often referred to as 'Europe's last dictator,' has been seen by some as a model for Min Aung Hlaing in consolidating power through elections. The two leaders have met multiple times in 2025, highlighting the growing amity between their nations. The expansion of ties beyond military cooperation to include trade and investment is also a key aspect of this evolving relationship.