The Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jonas Gahr Støre, paid a two-day official visit to Myanmar on the 25th and 26th of January.
In the capital Nay Pyi Taw, the minister had discussions with President Thein Sein, Vice Chairman Shwe Mann, Energy Minister Than Htay, Railways Minister Aung Min and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Maung Min.
Subsequent meetings in Yangon allowed for discussions with Aung San Suu Kyi, Industry Minister Soe Thein as well as representatives from the political opposition. Mr. Støre also made time to meet with a group of concerned young professionals.
Norway’s Minister of Foreign affairs, Jonas Gahr Støre, met with Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Khi in her Nay Pyi Taw home on the 25th of January 2012. Photo: Kjetil Elsebutangen.In collaboration with Industry Minister Soe Thein, a roundtable conference was arranged in Yangoon to facilitate a debate about reform and the significance of responsible investments. Participants included representatives from The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) and The Confederation of Norwegian Business and Industry (NHO). In addition, the head of Telenor Asia and two former World Bank experts, funded by Norway, also participated. From the Myanmar side, the Deputy Minister of Industry, the Senior Financial Advisor to the President and representatives from the Yangon-based think tank Egress contributed to the discussions. Amongst the spectators, a number of independent media representatives from Myanmar were in attendance.
Norway’s Minister of Foreign affairs, Jonas Gahr Støre, met with Myanmar’s Minister of Industry, Soe Thein, in Yangon on the 26th of January 2012. Photo: Kjetil Elsebutangen.Press release: Norway no longer urges companies to refrain from trading with Myanmar
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