Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with Myanmar President Thein Sein on a visit to Myanmar on May 26 and pledged ¥91 billion in fresh aid to Myanmar — ¥51 billion in loans and ¥40 billion in grants — and waived another ¥190 billion in debt to facilitate the country's democratization efforts.
The visit to Myanmar was the first by a Japanese prime minister since Takeo Fukuda visited the country 36 years ago. Japan’s move to assist Myanmar is welcome. It should give priority to enhancing the well-being of Myanmar people, not to increasing the profits of companies entering the country.
More than two years have passed since the civilian government led by Mr. Thein Sein came into office to succeed the military government after a general election. Democracy leader Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi became a member of Parliament in April 2012. Myanmar is becoming a welcome member of the international community as relations with Western countries improve.