Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba is planning to visit Myanmar late this month on his tour of 3 Southeast Asian nations. It will be the first visit to Myanmar in 9 years by a Japanese foreign minister.

Government sources say that during his tour from December 25 to 29, Gemba will also visit flood-hit Thailand and Cambodia, which will chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations next year.

In Myanmar, Gemba will meet Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin to convey Japan's plan to resume its official development assistance project and discuss details of new loans.

Japan is willing to resume new ODA loans in view of the steady progress Myanmar's new government is making toward democratization, including the release of political prisoners.

In Thailand, Gemba will meet Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul to pledge Japan's continued support in helping the country to recover from severe flooding.

Gemba is expected to seek Thailand's cooperation for Japanese companies restarting operations there.

In Cambodia, he is expected to meet Foreign Minister Hor Namhong to explain that Japan will support efforts to strengthen the region's infrastructure, such as building major roads that will link ASEAN countries.

Source: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20111203_10.html

Image credit: http://www.houseofjapan.com/images/2011/10/GembaurgesSKoreaEPAtalksresume.jpg