New Zealand will now have a full embassy in Myanmar, Prime Minister John Key has announced. Mr Key, who has been in the once reclusive country for the East Asia Summit, says New Zealand’s relationship with Myanmar has developed quickly following political and economic reforms initiated in 2011. “New Zealand opened an embassy office in late 2013 and the decision to upgrade to a full embassy reflects the strong and growing relationship,” he said.

Charge d’affaires Bruce Shepherd will now become New Zealand’s first resident ambassador to Myanmar. “Our aid and development programme is currently worth around $4 million annually and is focused on agriculture and disaster risk management.”