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Putin thanks Myanmar PM for gift of six baby elephants

The animals have been relocated to the Moscow Zoo

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin warmly thanked Myanmar Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing for the gift he had given him earlier - six young elephants.

"I can't help but thank you for the very warm gift," Putin said, addressing his guest with a smile. "Last year you sent us six baby elephants, and they have already been relocated to the Moscow Zoo. Thank you very much."

The Prime Minister of Myanmar said he was very worried about the fate of the gifted animals.

"These elephants lived in our country during the hot season. And now they live in Russia at this temperature," he said. "This is why I keep an eye on them, this is why I ask 'How are our elephants, how are they doing?' I was told: ‘Don't worry, they're under control," said Min Aung Hlaing.

As a sign of strengthening relations between the two countries, Russia received six elephants from Myanmar. The animals will stay at the Grand Moscow Circus on Vernadsky Avenue. The Kaluga Region provided support in the elephant transfer by creating a Cultural Center of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on the territory of the Ethnomir Park. In 2027, it is planned to create a safari park in the region, which will also feature elephants.