France offers its warm congratulations to Htin Kyaw, President of the Union of Myanmar; to Aung San Suu Kyi for her appointment as minister of foreign affairs, education, electricity and energy, and as minister of the President’s Office; and to the entire government on this inauguration day.

I applaud the long, brave battle waged by Aung San Suu Kyi and all those who stood by her and made so many sacrifices for democracy and freedom. I offer her my best wishes for success in her new duties and am delighted that she may now officially speak to the international community on behalf of the Burmese people.

France stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Burmese people in this latest stage of their democratic transition and assures them of its full support as they face new challenges.

Albania – Visit by Harlem Désir, Minister of State for European affairs (March 30, 2016)

Minister of State for European Affairs Harlem Désir will visit Tirana on March 30-31 for a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Western Balkan countries ahead of the conference to be held in Paris on July 4 at the behest of President Hollande. The issues to be discussed at this meeting include major regional infrastructure projects and initiatives for Balkan youth. He will also meet with Johannes Hahn, European commissioner for neighborhood policy and enlargement negotiations.

During his visit, Mr. Désir will be welcomed by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Talks are also scheduled with Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati and other members of the Albanian government. These meetings will deal with strengthening our bilateral relationship and cultural and economic exchanges. Other topics to be discussed include the rapprochement process between Albania and the EU and the implementation of priority reforms.