Britain's Johnson to visit Myanmar, says democratic transition not yet complete

REUTERS

 

Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson walks into Downing Street, in London, January 17, 2017. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

 

LONDON (Reuters) - British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who will visit Myanmar on Friday, said the former British colony's transition to democracy was not yet complete but that Britain would offer its full support as a friend.

 

"Burma’s transition to democracy is not yet complete but it is worth reflecting on just how far Burma has come since Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party took office just nine months ago," Johnson said in a statement.

 

"The UK, as a longstanding and long term friend to Burma, will continue to offer its fullest support," he said. "I look forward to seeing Burma continue to develop into a country where there is peace and prosperity for all its people."

 

On the visit, the first to Myanmar by a British foreign minister in five years, Johnson will meet leader Suu Kyi, members of the Rakhine Commission and leaders of different ethnic groups to discuss the peace process.

 

(Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Kate Holton)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2017-01-20

Well he's off to a good start by referring to the country as Burma and not Myanmar.

 

I bet their all absolutely thrilled he will be visiting.

Saw Boris at the airport in Naypyidaw when he arrived, (I mean I 'saw' him, not to speak with...).  Using the word 'Burma' will hardly endear him to the locals...

57 minutes ago, simon43 said:

Saw Boris at the airport in Naypyidaw when he arrived, (I mean I 'saw' him, not to speak with...).  Using the word 'Burma' will hardly endear him to the locals...

 

57 minutes ago, simon43 said:

Saw Boris at the airport in Naypyidaw when he arrived, (I mean I 'saw' him, not to speak with...).  Using the word 'Burma' will hardly endear him to the locals...

Why? It is now known officially as either Burma or Mayanmar.