Japan FM visits Myanmar

Japan's foreign minister arrived in Myanmar to pursue an international effort for more reforms under that country's new leadership, Kyodo News reported. Quoting a government source, Kyodo said Koichiro Gemba, who arrived in Myanmar Sunday on a two-day trip, would propose talks on a bilateral investment accord and also seek the visit of Myanmar's democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi to his country. Gemba, whose visit as foreign minister is the first since 2002, held meetings with new Myanmar President Thein Sein and Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin. Gemba's also planned to extend an invitation to Suu Kyi to visit Japan in the near future when the two meet at her home in Yangon, e former capital of Myanmar, previously called Burma. China Daily newspaper reported earlier this month, Myanmar and Japan held consultations on Japan's assistance for Myanmar's economic development.