NAYPYIDAW, March 28. /TASS./ Russia and Myanmar are acting as strategic partners under the conditions of pressure from the far-reaching Western sanctions imposed on both countries, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin said.

"We sincerely value [our] friendly relations with Myanmar, Russia’s longstanding partner of arch importance in the Asia-Pacific region. It is pleasing that, amid the unprecedented campaign of sanctions unleashed by the collective West against both Russia and Myanmar, our countries continue to thoroughly support each other and act in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance," the senior military official stressed during talks with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services.

Fomin also noted the high combat readiness of Myanmar’s army, which is equipped with modern military hardware. "Nowadays, the Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s armed forces - TASS) are the most efficient armed forces in the region, equipped with modern arms and military hardware, and this, Mr. Senior General, is undoubtedly thanks to you," said Fomin.

On behalf of Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, the deputy defense minister congratulated Hlaing on the 79th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar’s armed forces and thanked him for the traditionally warm welcome and hospitality exhibited in the reception given in honor of the visiting Russian delegation.