The outgoing Russian ambassador to Myanmar, Nikolay Listopadov, has been awarded Myanmar’s prestigious title of Wunna Kyawhtin. The award was conferred on him by the head of the country’s junta, Min Aung Hlaing. An official statement from the junta says that he was recognized “for his outstanding performance in friendly cooperation between Myanmar and Russia.” By accepting the award, Amb. Listopadov made history, becoming the fourth Russian national to receive a title from Myanmar.
Before Amb. Listopadov was honored, Hlaing had in 2022 awarded titles to two Russian Defense Ministers: Sergey Shoigu, to whom he conferred the title of Sithu, and his deputy, Alexander Fomin, who was awarded the Thiri Pyanchi.
Hlaing has also awarded titles to some top-ranking Russians, including the head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation of Russia, Alexander Ostrovsky. Ostrovsky was awarded the medal of excellence for his exceptional administrative performance.
Amb. Listopadov had deepened the relationship between Myanmar and Russia. His first assignment was in Yangon, where he served between 1983 and 1986 before returning in 1990. He served in Myanmar until 1994.
On July 1, 2016, under a civilian government led by the National League for Democracy, he was announced as the Russian ambassador to Myanmar. He continued to represent the Russian government in Myanmar until 2023.
While in Myanmar, Amb. Listopadov demonstrated leadership, becoming one of the most highly rated ambassadors in Myanmar’s diplomatic corps. He was popular among the people of Myanmar and was christened ‘Lu Din’.
In 2020, at the peak of the coronavirus, Amb. Listopadov played a vital role in Myanmar as he went on an anti-coronavirus campaign, encouraging Myanmar people to wear masks and take preventive measures seriously.
For a long time, Amb. Listopadov will be seen as the face of relations between Myanmar and Russia.
Amb. Listopadov’s successor has been announced. Iskander Azizov, who earlier served in Mongolia, has been designated to take over in Myanmar.
