Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe left Tokyo on Friday on a three-day visit to Myanmar, where Japanese companies plan to invest in infrastructure projects.
The first Japanese Premier to visit the Southeast Asian country in 36 years, Abe told reporters before his departure that Japan would offer both public and private sector support for Myanmar's efforts to reform and democratize.
He is scheduled to have in-depth talks with President Thein Sein aimed at boosting bilateral ties. The summit is due to be held on Sunday in capital Naypyidaw, Japanese media reported.
Abe is expected to call on Thein Sein to further promote democracy and reconciliation with ethnic minorities. He will convey Japan's willingness to support development of power, water and other infrastructure systems in the resource-rich country.
During his stay in Myanmar, Abe will visit the Thilawa special economic zone, now under development in the suburbs of the country's largest city Yangon.
Executives from about 40 Japanese firms accompanying Abe are expected to sign agreements for cooperation with businesses in Myanmar, Japan's NHK broadcaster reported.
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