The relationship between Myanmar and Canada has turned a new chapter when Foreign Minister the Hon. John Baird visited Nay Pyi Taw in March 2012. Myanmar Foreign Minister H.E U Wunna Maung Lwin’s official visit to Ottawa in October 2012 also was a milestone in the history of the bilateral relations since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1958.
The relations have been further strengthened in the first half of this year by the exchange of parliamentary delegations. A Canadian parliamentary mission led by the Hon. Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Foreign Minister, visited Myanmar from 15-23 February. They met with more than 40 Myanmar parliamentarians and staff of all political parties, as well as government and civil society representatives and the diplomatic communities.
In return, a Myanmar parliamentary delegation headed by H.E U Thurein Zaw, Chairman of the Public Account Committee of the Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives) paid a study visit to Canada from 20-26 April.
One of the most significant developments in Myanmar-Canada relations was the opening of Canada’s Embassy and a trade commission office in Yangon. The first resident Canadian Ambassador to Myanmar, H.E Mark McDowell has arrived in Yangon at the end of June and assumed his duties.