Brussels, 07/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - During their meeting in Brussels on Wednesday 6 February, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and Foreign Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Wanna Maung Lwin discussed “ways to strengthen economic cooperation”, Ashton's spokesman states in a press release. Strengthened economic cooperation could be achieved through“the organisation of a Myanmar-EU Task Force” to “further normalise relations and render the EU's support to the reforms underway more effective”, he added.
Ashton also hailed the “historic changes” in Myanmar and referred to the challenges ahead in terms of democratisation, economic development and the situation of human rights, peace and national reconciliation. The EU has worked with the Myanmar general prosecutor's office to organise a seminar entitled “Rule of Law in Myanmar: Perspectives and Prospects”, to be held in the Burmese capital of Naypyidaw.
Furthermore, Ashton has reiterated her invitation to President U Thein Sein, who is planning a visit to Brussels, although the date is not yet known.
The European Union has also to review its sanctions, now suspended, against Myanmarby end April. (CG/transl.jl)