Switzerland opens embassy in Myanmar's Yangon

Switzerland has opened its embassy in Yangon for close links between the European country and Myanmar, official media reported Sunday.

The setup of the Swiss Embassy in Myanmar's former capital on Saturday came on the occasion of an official visit to Myanmar of Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs and Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter.

Burkhalter was quoted as saying that Switzerland will support Myanmar at a time when Myanmar is taking a long and difficult step towards democracy.

Burkhalter said Switzerland will provide humanitarian aid worth about 8 million U.S. dollars to Myanmar and the amount will be raised to 20 million dollars in the coming year, adding that in late 2013-2016, the aid will be increased to 35 million dollars.

Arriving in Myanmar's new capital Nay Pyi Taw on Friday, Burkhalter was received by President U Thein Sein. The pair had discussions on further strengthening amity between the two countries, production of value-added foodstuff and natural products, cooperation in rehabilitation and providing humanitarian aid, natural disaster, creating job opportuities, conducting health, food and vocational training courses and multi-sector cooperation.

Switzerland was among the five European countries to which Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi made a historic visit in June for seeking political and economic support to back democratic transition in her country.

Switzerland along with Canada and Australia have lifted all sanctions on Myanmar with the exception of embargo on arms to show support for the country's sweeping reforms.

In June, the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Geneva lifted more than a decade-old restrictions on Myanmar in recognition of its progress including a new law on trade unions and a pledge to end forced labor by 2015.

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