Burma’s President Thein Sein is embarking on his first European tour, where he is expected to engage in high-level European Union talks.
The president will fly to countries in Europe to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss the ongoing reform process and rights related issues in Burma. Western sanctions against Burma have been eased following the reforms that started with the release of pro-democracy opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Despite promising reforms, ethnic violence in the western Rakhine state has marred the progress made in Burma, resulting in over 100000 displaced Muslim Rohingyas. President Thein Sein is likely to face questioning regarding these issues during his short tour of Europe.