Press release

Foreign Secretary welcomes the new President of Burma's inauguration

The Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, welcomes the inauguration of U Htin Kyaw as the new President of Burma.

This was published under the 2015 to 2016 Cameron Conservative government

The Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, said:

I welcome the inauguration of U Htin Kyaw as the new President of Burma. This is a significant milestone on the country’s path to democracy, and for the people of Burma. I also congratulate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy, on this important achievement. We also recognise the role of the outgoing administration in the peaceful conduct of last year’s elections, which paved the way for this transition.

Burma’s new administration faces multiple challenges. Building on the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement to achieve sustainable peace and addressing the dire situation of the Rohingya minority in Rakhine will be pressing early concerns.

The United Kingdom has actively supported Burma’s transition to democracy, including practical support to safeguard the integrity of last year’s elections. As the new administration takes office, we will continue to support the people of Burma in their aspiration for a more civilian, democratic and accountable government.

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Published 30 March 2016