FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2019
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar – Today Ambassador Scot Marciel joined Minister for International Cooperation U Kyaw Tin for the official groundbreaking ceremony for the U.S. Embassy Liaison Office in Nay Pyi Taw. The office will serve as the permanent U.S. Government presence in Nay Pyi Taw and will facilitate increased engagement between U.S. diplomats and the Government of Myanmar. The groundbreaking ceremony and future opening of the Embassy Liaison Office demonstrate the long term commitment of the United States to the bilateral relationship with Myanmar – a relationship that began more than 70 years ago.
“The people of the United States are committed to supporting what so many in Myanmar have sacrificed so much to achieve: greater peace, prosperity, and democratic freedoms. This new space will strengthen our ability to work together with the Government of Myanmar toward those goals,” Ambassador Marciel said.
The construction of an Embassy Liaison Office (ELO) in Nay Pyi Taw is targeted for completion in 2020 and will initially be staffed with three American officers and 20 local employees. Through the Embassy Liaison Office in Nay Pyi Taw the U.S. Embassy will continue its work to support a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Myanmar that respects the human rights of all its people. Once a suitable site is located and acquired we can begin planning for a new embassy compound.
Since 2012, the United States government has provided over $950 million to support Myanmar’s transition, advance the peace process, and improve the lives of millions. More than 1.1 million people have improved food security, and over 300,000 small farmers’ families have better access to technology, markets and new investments. In 2017 and 2018, the United States provided almost $300 million to address humanitarian needs in Myanmar, including vulnerable communities in Rakhine, Kachin, and Shan States.
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