Burma ‘is all right’, says William Hague

Britain will no longer discourage trade with Burma, William Hague has announced, in recognition of the “remarkable changes” that are taking place there.

The Foreign Secretary said the country was now on “a hopeful path” and that “responsible” trade and investment could help the reform process. Britain was planning to open a diplomatic office in the new capital, Naypyitaw, he said.

The announcement comes after the EU backed UK calls for the suspension of sanctions against Burma. David Cameron was this month the first serving prime minister to visit the country, which became independent from Britain in 1948.

The nation has helped thaw relations with the west by releasing political prisoners and holding parliamentary by-elections.