Monday, March 11, 2013

Thein Sein to go Down Under soon

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Monday, 11 March 2013 12:47 Rosie Gogan-Keogh

President Thein Sein has been extended official invitations to visit Australia and New Zealand in the near future, state-run newspaper The New Light of Myanmar has reported.

Myanmar President Thein Sein talks with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key at Credentials Hall of the President Residence in November, 2012. (Photo: John Key / Facebook)

An official visit by the Myanmar president to the two countries was postponed in December “to a mutually convenient date which would be coordinated by the two sides,” reported state media at the time.

New Zealand says it hopes to open a diplomatic mission in Myanmar later this year. During a three-day trip to Myanmar in November, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced a US $5.7 million aid package to the country. Over the next five years, the country also has plans to establish a model dairy farm, which will train local farmers.

In October, Australian officials announced they had offered to advise Myanmar on elections and government structures, and support the country’s efforts to build an effective foreign investment regime. Australian interest in Myanmar is significant with Australians permitted to avail of large tax-breaks when investing in ASEAN nations.

Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr announced an $80 million aid scheme in June 2012 that would include providing textbooks to more than one million children in Myanmar.

The announcement of the president's latest foreign visit comes following his return from a 10-day five-nation European trip.

Related articles:

  • Thein Sein postpones Australia, NZ visit
  • New Zealand to lead the herd in Myanmar’s dairy industry
  • Australian energy firm stakes claim in Myanmar


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