Australia to assist Myanmar in reform process

YANGON - Australia has vowed to assist Myanmar in the latter's political reform process and a wide range of sectors including education and health, official media reported Wednesday.

It was pledged by visiting Governor-General of Commonwealth of Australia Quentin Bryce when she met with Myanmar President U Thein Sein in Nay Pyi Taw Tuesday.

Quentin offered to provide scholarships to outstanding Myanmar university students, technical assistance for capacity building of lectures, teaching aid in basic education schools, access to modern teaching methods, construction of schools and in rural and border areas in the country.

Quentin also pledged Australia's assistance for Myanmar's maternal and child welfare undertakings and farm sector development, encouraging big investment by Australian entrepreneurs.

The pair also discussed expanding women's employment opportunities and women's participation in the peace making process.

They also touched on efforts for reaching UN Millennium Development Goals.  

Quentin arrived in Nay Pyi Taw Monday on a state visit to Myanmar at the invitation of U Thein Sein.

On Tuesday, President U Thein Sein met with visiting Governor of New South Wales (NSW) of Commonwealth of Australia Marie Bashir.

The pair focused on promoting cooperation between Myanmar and NSW, scholarship programs for outstanding Myanmar medical students to study in the province and aid for Myanmar's health and education.

Prior to the meeting, Myanmar and New South Wales signed a memorandum of understanding between Yangon's Universities of Medicines-1 and 2 and University of Sydney and Sydney Medical School on cooperation in the education sector.