Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced Canada’s plans to open an embassy in Burma. The announcement was made during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum and Post Ministerial Conference, where Baird met with his ASEAN counterparts, including Burmese Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin.
“Canada continues to be encouraged by the changes taking place in Burma. As Canada recently moved to broaden our relationship, I am pleased to announce that Canada is planning to open an embassy in Burma,” said Baird. “To that end, we look forward to working closely with the Burmese government in the coming and months. It is our hope that this announcement will build on other positive developments in our relations with Burma.”
On April 24, 2012, Canada announced significant changes to its economic sanctions against Burma, suspending most of the prohibitions on trade and investment. Burma currently has an embassy in Canada.
“Although the Burmese government has taken positive steps to improve human rights and democracy over the last year, we continue to urge more progress on reforms,” said Baird. “Canada stands ready to assist the Burmese government in any capacity to build on the democratic fundamentals, and the freedom and rights of their people.”
On March 8, 2012, Minister Baird made a landmark visit to Burma, marking the first official visit to that country by a Canadian foreign minister. During his visit, he delivered a certificate recognizing Aung San Suu Syi’s honourary Canadian citizenship, which was conferred upon her by the Parliament of Canada in 2007.
Baird is currently on his fourth trip to Asia in the last year.
Some Previous Statements in 2012
April 24, 2012: Canada Suspends Sanctions Against Burma, Helps the Country Build a Brighter Future
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2012/04/24a.aspx?lang=eng&view=d
“There is more work to be done, but Canada stands ready to support Burma in building a free and prosperous society. The easing of these sanctions will help Burma move in that direction and create jobs, hope and opportunity for the Burmese people.”
Canada has been closely monitoring developments in Burma over the last year, many of which Baird saw evidence of first-hand during his visit to the country in March this year. Canada welcomed Burma’s release of political prisoners in October 2011 and January 2012. Canada was further encouraged by Burma’s ceasefires forged with some ethnic minorities and the smooth conduct of the April 1 by-elections. Canada urges those in power to go even further and continue to improve conditions for human rights and democratic development. This would include, among other things, the release of all remaining political prisoners and the halting of all conflict in ethnic-minority areas.
April 2, 2012: Minister Baird Makes Statement on Burma’s By-elections
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2012/04/02b.aspx?lang=eng&view=d
“Canada is ready and willing to play a leading role in helping to build a better future for Burma, one that will provide greater respect for freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law for all.”
March 28, 2012: Canada Sends Witnesses to Burmese By-Elections
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2012/03/28a.aspx?lang=eng&view=d
“Canada is pleased to send Senator Consiglio Di Nino and Parliamentary Secretary Deepak Obhrai to Burma to witness and report on the parliamentary by-elections of April 1.”
March 8, 2012: Canada Welcomes Progress, Encourages Continued Reforms in Burma
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2012/03/08a.aspx?lang=eng&view=d
March 8, 2012: Minister Baird Delivers Certificate of Honorary Canadian Citizenship to Aung San Suu Kyi
Minister Baird met with Aung San Suu Kyi, General Secretary of Burma’s National League for Democracy, at the latter’s residence in Yangon. Minister Baird and Aung San Suu Kyi exchanged views on recent developments in Burma, the status of democracy and human rights for the Burmese people, and the prospects for further change. Minister Baird also delivered a certificate recognizing Aung San Suu Kyi’s honorary Canadian citizenship, which was conferred upon her by the Parliament of Canada in 2007. http://www.flickr.com/photos/dfait-maeci/6976577155/in/set-72157629541391899
March 8, 2012: Minister Baird Meets with Burmese President Thein Sein
Minister Baird met with Thein Sein in Naypyidaw. The two discussed recent developments in the country, including positive first steps to promote democracy and human rights for all Burmese people. http://www.flickr.com/photos/dfait-maeci/6830452970/in/set-72157629541391899/
March 6, 2012: Baird to Make Historic Visit to Burma
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/advisories-avis/2012/03/06a.aspx?lang=eng&view=d
January 13, 2012: Statement by Minister Baird on Burmese Political Prisoner Release
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2012/01/13b.aspx?lang=eng&view=d
