Visit of the delegation of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

On February 23, there was the official visit of the delegation of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to Belarusian State Medical University. The visit has become an important step in strengthening bilateral academic and scientific ties and opened up new opportunities for joint training, exchange of experience, and development of clinical collaboration.

The honorary delegation included heads of leading medical universities and representatives of the diplomatic corps: Professor Kyaw Shwe, Rector of the University of Medicine-1, Yangon; Professor Htun Thuya, Pro-Rector of the University of Medicine-1, Yangon; Professor Hein Yarzar Aung, Pro-Rector of the University of Medicine-2, Yangon; Mr. Moe Kyaw Thu, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of Belarus; and Mr. Mihail Petkov, Interpreter of the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in the Republic of Belarus.

Belarusian State Medical University was represented by Rector, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Sergey Rubnikovich, Vice-Rector for International Relations Dmitry Chuikov and Head of the International Relations Department Varvara Boyko.

The business portion of the visit took the form of negotiations and working meetings, during which the parties discussed in detail the prospects for academic and scientific cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the preparation and signing of an agreement on academic and scientific cooperation and exchange between BSMU and Yangon University of Medicine-1. The document outlines key areas of cooperation: online training, advanced training programs, clinical internships, clinical resident exchanges, and student academic mobility. These areas are designed to provide sustainable and practice-oriented channels for the exchange of knowledge, skills and scientific achievements between higher medical education institutions of the two countries.

As part of the program, the guests visited the university's leading facilities. The delegation was given a tour around the anatomical museum, the practice-oriented training building, and the Republican Center for Professional Certification and Simulation Training of Medical and Pharmaceutical Personnel of Belarusian State Medical University. At the Republican Center, specialists demonstrated modern teaching methods and simulation technologies that enable future and practicing physicians to develop high-level clinical skills. The guests were interested in learning about the equipment and educational scenarios, noting the potential for applying Belarusian experience.

The business program also included a cultural and historical component: on the 23^rd of February, the delegation visited Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War and the Victory Monument, where the guests honored the memory of those who gave their lives during the Great Patriotic War – a gesture symbolizing mutual respect. The cultural program also included a visit to Nesvizh Castle and the National Library of Belarus.

The official visit continued with visits by delegation representatives to specialized medical institutions. On the 25^th of February 25, the guests visited Republican Scientific and Practical Center "Cardiology," where they were met by Andrey Pristrom, Director of the Republican Scientific and Practical Center and Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Rheumatology of Belarusian State Medical University. During the meeting, there were discussed potential areas of cooperation in medical and scientific fields, mechanisms for organizing internships and exchanging experience in the field of cardiology and endovascular surgery. The delegates were given a detailed overview of the Center's work, its scientific achievements, and treatment methods, and expressed high praise for the Belarusian cardiology system.

The visit program then continued at the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology. The delegation met with the leadership of the Republican Scientific and Practical Center and specialists, including the director and head of the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Clinical Genetics, and Immunology with a course in Pediatric Endocrinology and Clinical Immunology of Belarusian State Medical University, Anzhelika Solntseva. The guests visited the genetic biotechnology laboratory and the transplant department, and were introduced to specialized laboratory and clinical practices. During the meeting, there were discussed the possibilities of organizing internships and advanced training courses for specialists from Myanmar at the Republican Scientific and Practical Center, as well as the prospects for joint research projects in the field of pediatric oncology, hematology, and genetics.

An important symbol of the visit was the commemorative entry in the Book of Honoured Guests of BSMU left by Professor Kyaw Shwe, Rector of the University of Medicine-1, Yangon. In his note, the Rector expressed gratitude for the hospitality and noted the importance of establishing bilateral cooperation:

– I am very grateful and happy to visit Belarusian State Medical University for the first time to explore bilateral collaboration between the University of Medicine – 1, Yangon and BSMU. We hope for further expansion of bilateral collaboration, not only with other medical universities but also with other health sectors under the Ministry of Health.

The visit of the delegation from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar was an important step in the development of international cooperation at BSMU. The signed and planned documents and agreements create the basis for long-term cooperation: student and faculty exchanges, joint scientific research, clinical internships, and advanced training programs. This format of interaction not only contributes to improving the quality of medical personnel training, but also to the development of joint scientific initiatives, the adaptation of innovative technologies, and the dissemination of best practices in clinical and educational processes.

Belarusian State Medical University expresses its gratitude to the guests for their interest in our educational and scientific resources, as well as confidence that the agreements reached will provide a reliable platform for the implementation of joint projects. We are convinced that open dialogue, respect for partners, and a commitment to shared results will create strong and mutually beneficial ties between our universities and will serve the interests of strengthening healthcare in both countries.