Burmese President Thein Sein on European tour

The Burmese President, Thein Sein, is currently on his first official European tour as head of state. Mr Sein, who visited Norway from 25-28 February is expected to visit Finland, Austria, Belgium and Italy, where he is expected to engage in high-level European Union talks. The president is expected to meet counterpart in the respective countries to boost bilateral ties and discuss the reform process and rights in the country, known officially as Myanmar. Burma has seen Western sanctions against the country loosened following a series of reforms introduced after the end of outright military rule in 2011.