Australia will restore military cooperation with Myanmar and
increase business ties with the Southeast Asian nation in recognition of
Myanmar ’s move towards democracy.

The
statement was made by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard at a joint
press conference with President Thein Sein, the first Myanmar leader
to visit Australia since 1974.

Gillard said that Australia
will provide aid worth 20 million AUD (20.7 million USD) over two
years to help Myanmar strengthen its institutions and economic
management, as well as promote human rights and laws.

She
revealed that her country will soon post a trade commissioner to the
Australian Embassy in Myanmar ’s commercial centre of Yangon in order
to increase trade and investment links with the Southeast Asian
country.

Australia will loosen regulations on national
defence cooperation with Myanmar , including humanitarian and
disaster support activities. However, its arms embargo will remain.

For his part, Myanmar President Thein Sein affirmed that his
country will continue following the road to democracy despite its
existing problems in human rights issues.

Australian aid to Myanmar is expected to double to 100 million AUD (103 million USD) in 2015.-VNA