Myanmar president builds closer ties with New Zealand

Myanmar wants to collaborate with New Zealand universities in several areas, such as science and technology, Myanmar President Thein Sein told representatives of Auckland University on Friday during his first state visit to New Zealand. New Zealand ended decades-long of limited contact with Myanmar last year, when Prime Minister John Key visited Myanmar and pledged 7 million NZ dollars (5.7 million U.S. dollars) towards humanitarian aid and the construction of dairy farm capabilities. Thein Sein told the university representatives that his country is undertaking major political and social reforms and needs to upgrade the quality of higher education, Radio New Zealand reported. He said there are areas in which New Zealand could help, including health, human resources, advance technologies and science. He said his vision is to improve the country's economic development, including the exploration of minerals. Auckland University Vice-Chancellor Stuart McCutcheon told Thein Sein he hoped the president's visit would open opportunities for collaboration. Thein Sein was officially welcomed by Governor General Jerry Mateparae on Thursday. At his state dinner in Auckland on Thursday night, Mateparae said the growing relationship between the two countries will be cemented further by the establishment of a diplomatic presence in Yangon. Thein Sein welcomed the increased presence and said he would encourage bilateral trade and investment. Mateparae said he also encourages increased trade and the sharing of knowledge between the two countries.