Russia, Myanmar developing cooperation in renewable energy
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Russia and Myanmar closely cooperate in the energy area and they are addressing expansion of this partnership, through projects in the sector of renewable energy among other things, Russian President Vladimir Putin said following talks with Prime Minister of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing.
"Energy is a strategic area of bilateral cooperation. Russia reliably provides required energy resources to the republic. Last year more than 90% of oil was supplied to the market of Myanmar from Russia. We are developing possibilities to cooperate in the energy sector in other areas as well, including in the use of renewable resources of energy," Putin said.
The new joint statement confirms the key principles of the partnership between the two countries, the president stressed. "The issue is about further deepening of cooperation in the area of trade and investment. Last year trade turnover added around 40% and roughly amounted to $2 bln. We are ready to address expansion of mutually beneficial trade," he added.
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology of Myanmar issued a public notice on climate change developments on 21 May, stating that calculations indicate conditions are favourable for the possible occurrence of the El Niño phenomenon in terms of sea surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions over the tropical Pacific Ocean near the equator. At present, Myanmar, as well as other Asian countries, is experiencing abnormal weather patterns associated with the effects of El Niño.In general, El Niño usually occurs once every five to seven years, but in recent years it has been observed occurring once every two or three years. When the El Niño phenomenon becomes strong, it can spread globally from the South American region, leading to increasingly severe climate abnormalities.Therefore, as El Niño conditions have already begun to emerge in 2026, extreme weather events such as abnormal rainfall patterns, higher daytime temperatures, irregular storm occurrences, drought, and water shortages may occur as a result. Accordingly, all relevant organizations and the public are urged to remain alert to climate change and take special measures for advance preparedness and necessary precautionary actions.According to measurements, calculations and studies conducted by international meteorological agencies, mathematical model forecasts indicate that weak El Niño conditions may begin to develop from June 2026 and could strengthen into a strong El Niño condition by the end of 2026. Although El Niño is a phenomenon that normally occurs in the Pacific Ocean, its impacts generally include abnormal rainfall patterns, higher daytime temperatures, irregular storm occurrences, drought and water shortages, as well as other extreme weather events.The El Niño event that occurred during 1997-1998 was the most severe and intense on record, causing widespread impacts across the world. The total value of losses and damages caused by the event amounted to US$34 billion. There were 24,000 deaths, 533,000 injuries, six million displaced persons, a total of 111 million people affected, and 56 million acres of land impacted. In Myanmar, 18 major cities recorded new highest temperature records, while 15 major cities recorded new lowest rainfall records.The strong El Niño that occurred during 2015-2016 also brought record-breaking heat and drought conditions. During 2016, record wildfires, diseases directly related to extreme heat and dryness, as well as shortages and difficulties in obtaining drinking water, were experienced. In general, there may be risks of extreme heat, wildfires, severe drought, and shortages of drinking water; therefore, preparations and preventive measures should be made in advance.Therefore, as El Niño conditions have already begun to emerge in 2026, extreme weather events such as abnormal rainfall patterns, higher daytime temperatures, irregular storm occurrences, drought, and water shortages may occur as a result. Accordingly, all relevant organizations and the public are urged to remain alert to climate change and take special measures for advance preparedness and necessary precautionary actions.gnlmPhoto: Gemini
The State enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law in 2015 to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities, and the by-laws were issued in 2017. The National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was reconstituted on 24 August 2023, and the activities of disability classification and registration of persons with disabilities were carried out in four townships during the 2022-2023 fiscal year.Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, Goal 8 includes creating decent employment opportunities and ensuring equal pay for persons with disabilities, as well as reducing youth unemployment and promoting their inclusion in the labour market. Goal 10 also emphasizes enabling persons with disabilities to participate in social, economic, and political activities.To further improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities, ensure equal rights with others, and promote respect for their dignity and capabilities, the entire society is encouraged to work together. Accordingly, parents and guardians, local authorities, and social organizations are urged to provide collective support and assistance so that qualified persons with disabilities can access education to improve their lives.The 2024 Population and Housing Census data stated that 2.29 million people, accounting for 7.6 per cent of the population aged five years and above, have at least one type of disability in Myanmar. By type of disability, the most common categories nationwide are 4.1 per cent visual impairment, 3.1 per cent people with difficulty in mobility, such as handling objects, walking, or climbing stairs, 2.8 per cent people with memory or learning difficulties, and 2.7 per cent people with hearing impairment.The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has established institutions, including a school for the blind in Yangon and Sagaing, schools for deaf children in Yangon and Mandalay, a training school for adults with disabilities in Mayangon Township, Yangon Region, training schools for children with disabilities in Yangon and Mandalay, and a care home for children with disabilities in Yangon.Persons with disabilities need access to vocational education, employment opportunities, and personal income to live with dignity and independence. In Myanmar, persons with disabilities are supported through inclusive education, where they learn alongside others in mainstream schools, as well as through special education schools established for students with visual, hearing, and intellectual disabilities. In addition, vocational and technical training programmes are being provided to help them acquire skills and earn their own income.To further improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities, ensure equal rights with others, and promote respect for their dignity and capabilities, the entire society is encouraged to work together. Accordingly, parents and guardians, local authorities, and social organizations are urged to provide collective support and assistance so that qualified persons with disabilities can access education to improve their lives.gnlm
Tourism and travel are the third-largest export industry in the world. Depending on each country’s available resources, various types of tourism are being developed globally, including cultural and heritage tourism, nature-based tourism, ecotourism, culinary tourism, agricultural tourism, adventure tourism, cruise tourism, and many other forms of travel activities.In order to attract more international tourists, every country is carrying out promotional and marketing activities. Myanmar has abundant natural landscapes, forests, mountains, and a rich ancient cultural heritage, which are of great interest to visitors. If the tourism sector expands, more job opportunities will become available for the public. An increase in foreign visitors will also contribute to the development of local economies and bring in foreign exchange earnings.Tourism can generate benefits such as promoting cultural exchange between countries, fostering mutual understanding, and spreading positive information about one’s own nation. The growth of the global travel and tourism sector has demonstrated its resilience among countries, even amid inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions.Regarding economic matters, relevant ministries need to coordinate and cooperate to promote the development of both inbound and outbound tourism. At the same time, local authorities and communities are also required to work together in collaboration. If attractive local environments and appealing services can be provided, tourist arrivals will increase, and the social and economic conditions of the region will also improve. In terms of travel, accommodation, and food, it is necessary to learn from other developed regions and countries, and to make the destination attractive to visit, stay, and travel.In global GDP, the worldwide travel and tourism sector reached a record contribution of US$11.6 trillion in 2025. This accounted for 9.8 per cent of the global economy and generated up to 366 million jobs worldwide, creating one out of every three new jobs. It is reported that international tourist spending has recovered and now exceeds pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.Regarding economic matters, relevant ministries need to coordinate and cooperate to promote the development of both inbound and outbound tourism. At the same time, local authorities and communities are also required to work together in collaboration. If attractive local environments and appealing services can be provided, tourist arrivals will increase, and the social and economic conditions of the region will also improve. In terms of travel, accommodation, and food, it is necessary to learn from other developed regions and countries, and to make the destination attractive to visit, stay, and travel.All responsible authorities must properly supervise efforts to create a pleasant, attractive, and well-disciplined environment. At the same time, all staff are required to comply, and all members of the public who must maintain discipline through their own awareness should work together in cooperation.To make towns and villages greener, cleaner, and more orderly; to properly identify, showcase, and preserve cultural heritage sites and prominent landmarks; to develop and promote local foods, traditional foods, and regionally representative souvenir products with high quality standards; and to showcase local culture – these responsibilities should be collectively embraced and practised as duties by all residents.gnlm
Myanmar experiences climate change impacts every year. Due to climate change, natural disasters frequently occur. Heavy rainfalls, strong winds, lightning, thunderstorms, landslides, and flooding trigger difficulties for the public. As these are no longer isolated incidents but recurring annual occurrences, the public must make preparations in advance to prevent and reduce the impact of natural disasters.Within the next few days, the southwest monsoon is expected to begin entering the southern parts of Myanmar. The early monsoon period is a time when natural disasters are likely to occur. Due to the impacts of global climate change, natural disasters may occur more frequently and with greater intensity. Due to the geographical conditions of Myanmar, people have to take care of the likelihood of damage and losses when natural disasters occur.In Myanmar, the peak periods for cyclones are the pre-monsoon season from mid-April to May and the post-monsoon season during October and November. When cyclones occur, they can bring three types of destructive forces: strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges caused by the cyclone. Storm surges can become particularly high and may travel inland through coastal rivers. Moreover, heavy rainfall can cause river flooding, runoff from mountain areas, and flash floods.Weather conditions and unusual meteorological events occurring from day to day are being announced by the relevant authorities in a timely manner. At the same time, public awareness campaigns on disaster prevention and preparedness are being carried out through the media. As such, all members of the public are urged to anticipate the possibility of natural disasters and protect themselves through advance preparation and preventive measures.Flash flooding occurs when heavy rainfall in upper river regions or highland areas causes a sudden and massive flow of water, which then erodes and destroys areas along its path. In the upper central regions of Myanmar, some streams have remained dry for many years, leading people to build houses and live around those stream areas. When sudden flooding occurs, those living in such places can suffer loss of life and property.Among severe weather changes, lightning strikes have also been occurring more frequently. It is reported that in some countries around the world, lightning strikes have caused deaths among both humans and animals. In Myanmar as well, more than 100 people die annually due to lightning strikes, with injuries and deaths of cattle and other animals also occurring. During the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods, special caution should be taken against lightning from the afternoon until around 6 pm.Weather conditions and unusual meteorological events occurring from day to day are being announced by the relevant authorities in a timely manner. At the same time, public awareness campaigns on disaster prevention and preparedness are being carried out through the media. As such, all members of the public are urged to anticipate the possibility of natural disasters and protect themselves through advance preparation and preventive measures.gnlm
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has announced that the southwest monsoon may enter the southern parts of Myanmar between 13 and 18 May, the delta regions between 19 and 24 May, the central regions between 25 and 30 May, and the northern regions between 31 May and 5 June.The early monsoon period in Myanmar begins from the time the southwest monsoon enters the country and lasts until the end of June. The late monsoon period starts on 1 September 2026 and continues until the southwest monsoon withdraws completely from the entire country. During both the early and late monsoon periods, low-pressure systems commonly form in the Bay of Bengal. Some of these low-pressure areas may intensify further and develop into tropical depressions or storms.Recently, due to rising temperatures and the formation of convective cloud systems, some upper parts of Myanmar experienced unusually heavy rainfall and sudden strong winds. Some lower regions of Myanmar also experienced strong winds. Since natural disasters are experienced annually, there is no need for special preparations beyond normal precautionary living for residents. However, it is important not to neglect preparedness measures against unforeseen and unpredictable weather conditions.In various parts of Myanmar, during the pre-monsoon period starting this May, and before the arrival of the southwest monsoon, unstable atmospheric conditions are expected. As a result, cumulonimbus clouds may form during the afternoons and evenings each day. Due to these conditions, weather events such as strong winds, thunderstorms with gusty winds, lightning and thunder, hail, tornadoes, and scattered heavy showers may occur. During periods of strong winds, surface wind speeds may reach between 40 and 50 miles per hour, according to the advisory.Recently, due to rising temperatures and the formation of convective cloud systems, some upper parts of Myanmar experienced unusually heavy rainfall and sudden strong winds. Some lower regions of Myanmar also experienced strong winds. Since natural disasters are experienced annually, there is no need for special preparations beyond normal precautionary living for residents. However, it is important not to neglect preparedness measures against unforeseen and unpredictable weather conditions.According to weather forecasts, about two low-pressure systems may form over the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. One of these may intensify further and develop into a tropical depression. Consequently, the southwest monsoon is expected to remain at a moderate strength. Scattered thunderstorms with rainfall around normal levels may occur in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay, Bago, Magway, Sagaing and Ayeyawady regions. In Lower Myanmar, Central Myanmar, and in Chin, Rakhine and Shan states, scattered thunderstorms are expected during the second week of May.Due to high temperatures in summer, people have been hoping for rainfall with the arrival of the southwest monsoon to relieve the heat, and it is necessary to prepare in advance and take precautions during both the early and late monsoon periods in accordance with official announcements regarding natural disaster risks.gnlmPhoto: Gemini
Myanmar has, within a relatively short period since 2021, had to endure and overcome severe natural disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic began in Myanmar in late 2020 and intensified in 2021. Through the joint efforts of Tatmadaw members and healthcare workers in prevention and treatment activities, the country was able to overcome the pandemic with comparatively limited losses.On 14 May 2023, due to the extremely powerful Cyclone Mocha, there were casualties in Rakhine State, and numerous office buildings, residential houses, schools, hospitals, and religious buildings were severely damaged and destroyed. The Government and Tatmadaw jointly and immediately carried out rescue and reconstruction operations for the local people affected by the cyclone, with particular emphasis on restoring conditions to better than their original state.Furthermore, on 11 September 2024, Super Typhoon Yagi, which originated in the South China Sea, caused the heaviest rainfall in 70 years in Nay Pyi Taw, Kayah State, Shan State, Mandalay Region, and Mon State, resulting in widespread flooding. In response, Tatmadaw worked in cooperation with the Government and the public to carry out intensive rescue and rehabilitation operations. Similarly, following the extremely powerful Mandalay earthquake that struck on 28 March 2025, which caused casualties and extensive structural damage in Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, and the Sagaing Region, rescue, clearance, and reconstruction efforts were carried out with the participation of both Tatmadaw members and the public.Through the cooperation of the Government, relevant departments, volunteer groups, and Tatmadaw members, the country was able to mobilize strong capabilities to overcome the difficulties it faced. Thanks to their rehabilitation efforts within a short period, people in Rakhine State affected by the cyclone were able to regain access to food, shelter, and necessities and quickly return to safe housing. Whenever emergencies arise, it is hereby reiterated with appreciation and recognition that efforts will be continuously and energetically made to serve the interests of the State and the people in cooperation with the public, in all respective sectors, in accord with the motto: “Mother Figure People, Father Figure People”.At the ceremony held on 8 April to present commemorative awards in recognition of disaster rehabilitation efforts, senior officials who had dutifully carried out their responsibilities were formally acknowledged and honoured. The Head of State also stated that, in the future, whenever national emergencies arise, arrangements should be made for Tatmadaw to effectively contribute to the public interest; that Tatmadaw members are actively and energetically carrying out public welfare activities in their respective roles.Through the cooperation of the Government, relevant departments, volunteer groups, and Tatmadaw members, the country was able to mobilize strong capabilities to overcome the difficulties it faced. Thanks to their rehabilitation efforts within a short period, people in Rakhine State affected by the cyclone were able to regain access to food, shelter, and necessities and quickly return to safe housing. Whenever emergencies arise, it is hereby reiterated with appreciation and recognition that efforts will be continuously and energetically made to serve the interests of the State and the people in cooperation with the public, in all respective sectors, in accord with the motto: “Mother Figure People, Father Figure People”.gnlm
