First official visit to Burma and Laos

Support for education, economic development and empowerment of women will be key priorities during my first official visit to Burma and the Lao People's Democratic Republic this week.

In Burma, I will meet President U Thein Sein and other members of the Myanmar Government, as well as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairman of the National League for Democracy.

Australia is playing an important role in supporting Burma's economic development and reform, particularly in promoting greater education opportunities to help achieve peace and stability.

During the visit, I will reaffirm Australia's support for the reform process and for the Myanmar Government's chairmanship of ASEAN this year.

I will meet with Australian business representatives to discuss what the Australian and Myanmar Governments can do to enhance trade and investment links.

I will also address the importance Australia places on finding a peaceful resolution to ethnic and sectarian unrest, particularly in Rakhine State where there are significant security concerns and humanitarian needs.

In Lao PDR I will discuss regional issues ahead of Laos' chairmanship of ASEAN in 2016 and I look forward to exchanging ideas with women in leadership roles, in business and politics, about advancing women's economic empowerment in Laos.

Australia is committed to playing a key supporting role in the economic development of Laos, particularly through support for the education sector, trade reform and rural development.