Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday announced nearly $8 billion in aid, loans and investment to promote development and reconciliation in Myanmar after talks with its de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The 800 billion yen ($7.7 billion) package from both the public and private sectors is to be spread over five years, Abe said.
"This is designed to help Myanmar's nation-building through its balanced development," Abe told reporters in a joint appearance with Suu Kyi after their talks.
A total of 40 billion yen is earmarked to promote amity in areas inhabited by ethnic minorities in Myanmar, which has been emerging from years of military dictatorship and ethnic conflict.
"With this aid, it is our hope that the fruits of reconciliation will be spread across Myanmar and be further promoted," Abe said. Suu Kyi repeatedly thanked Japan for helping her country.
"Such assistance will help Myanmar build peace and develop itself," said Suu Kyi, who arrived in Tokyo on Tuesday for a five-day visit.
The former political prisoner and Nobel peace laureate has pursued whirlwind diplomacy since her party took power six months ago, including visits to Southeast Asian neighbours as well as key allies China, the United States and India.
Her travels are aimed at attracting economic development and infrastructure aid to rebuild the resource-rich country after decades of military rule, economic isolation and civil conflict.
During her visit to Washington last month US President Barack Obama announced he would lift decades-old economic
sanctions imposed on Myanmar's former military rulers.
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