Australia-Myanmar leaders hold talks after nearly 30 years

On November 5, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard held talks with Myanmar President U Thein Sein on the sidelines of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 9) Summit in the Lao capital Vientiane.

This is the first meeting between leaders of the two countries since 1984.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard holds talks with Myanmar President U Thein Sein. (Source: ABC)

Speaking to reporters before the meeting, Prime Minister Gillard welcomed the progress in reform in Myanmar and said the Australian Government would adjust policies to respond to changes in Myanmar, including reducing trade barriers and lifting sanctions against Myanmar.

Prime Minister Gillard also invited President U Thein Sein to visit Australia in the near future.

In 1984, then Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke met with Myanmar leaders./.

According to (TTXVN) - DT