State media has reported that Myanmar's military ruler is looking for greater cooperation with the international community to contain the coronavirus as the Southeast Asian country struggles with a surging wave of infections.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing called in a speech for more cooperation on prevention, control and treatment of Covid-19, including with fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and "friendly countries", the Global New Light of Myanmar reported.

The junta leader said vaccinations needed to be increased, through both donated doses and by developing domestic production, aided by Russia, the newspaper said, adding that Myanmar would seek the release of funds from an Asean Covid-19 fund.

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