Arakan News Agency
The European Union (EU) has pledged over 1 billion euros(1.33 billion U.S. dollars) in new grant aid to Myanmar in support of its political and economic development, the military-run media Myawaddy reported Wednesday.…
Besides the political and trade support, the EU will assist Myanmar with more than 1 billion euros of development aid in the form of non-refundable grants, in particular in the areas of rural development, education, governance and peace-building, amongst others, EU Ambassador Roland Kobia was quoted as saying.
In December last year, EU had pledged to provide 688 million euros (900 million U.S. dollars) in aid to Myanmar under a seven- year strategic cooperation program (2014-20).
The fund, which is aimed to reinforce EU’s support to the country’s multiple transitions, will help develop rural areas, improve food and nutrition security, governance and rule of law, and support education and peace process, the EU statement said.
Moreover, the two sides are also cooperating in bilateral human rights and police reform to attain international standard.
EU lifted its sanctions on Myanmar in 2013, opening its representative office here following the historic visits of Myanmar President U Thein Sein to five EU countries, Norway, Finland, Austria, Belgium and Italy.
Source : xinhuanet
