Myanmar's foreign policy with Australia encompasses diplomatic, economic, development, and

educational aspects. The relationship has evolved over the years, influenced by political changes in
Myanmar and Australia's commitment to promoting democracy, human rights, and economic
development in the region. Here are the key aspects of Myanmar's foreign policy with Australia:

### Diplomatic Relations

1. **Political Engagement**:

- Diplomatic relations between Myanmar and Australia have been established since 1952. The
relationship has seen various phases, with significant engagement following Myanmar's political reforms
starting in 2011.

- Australia has maintained an embassy in Yangon, and Myanmar has an embassy in Canberra,
facilitating diplomatic communication and cooperation.

2. **Response to Political Developments**:

- Australia has been an advocate for democracy and human rights in Myanmar. Following the military
coup in February 2021, Australia condemned the coup, called for the restoration of civilian rule, and
imposed targeted sanctions on military leaders and entities.

- Australia supports ASEAN's efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the political crisis in Myanmar.

### Economic Relations

1. **Trade**:

- The trade relationship between Myanmar and Australia is relatively modest. Myanmar exports
agricultural products and garments to Australia, while Australia exports machinery, vehicles, and food
products to Myanmar.

- Trade has been affected by political instability and economic sanctions, particularly after the 2021
military coup.

2. **Investment**:

- Australian investment in Myanmar focuses on sectors such as mining, energy, and manufacturing.
However, political instability and sanctions have impacted the investment climate.

- Australian companies have shown interest in Myanmar's natural resources, but investment levels are
constrained by regulatory and political challenges.
### Development Cooperation

1. **Aid Programs**:

- Australia has been a significant provider of development aid to Myanmar, focusing on areas such as
health, education, governance, and economic development.

- The Australian government has supported initiatives to improve healthcare services, promote
educational opportunities, and enhance agricultural productivity in Myanmar.

2. **Humanitarian Assistance**:

- Australia has provided humanitarian assistance to address crises in Myanmar, including the Rohingya
refugee crisis and natural disasters.

- Australia's aid programs aim to support vulnerable communities and promote inclusive development.

### Educational and Cultural Exchanges

1. **Scholarships and Training**:

- Educational cooperation is a key component of the relationship. Australia offers scholarships to

Myanmar students through programs such as the Australia Awards, enabling them to pursue higher
education in Australian universities.

- Professional training and capacity-building programs are also part of the bilateral cooperation,
enhancing skills and knowledge in various sectors.

2. **Cultural Diplomacy**:

- Cultural exchanges and people-to-people links are fostered through various initiatives, including
academic collaborations, cultural events, and exchange programs.

- These exchanges help promote mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral relations.

### Human Rights and Governance

1. **Advocacy for Human Rights**:

- Australia consistently advocates for human rights and democratic governance in Myanmar. This
includes calling for the protection of minority rights, including those of the Rohingya population.

- Australia's foreign policy emphasizes the importance of accountability and justice for human rights
violations in Myanmar.
2. **Support for Democratic Transition**:

- Australia has supported Myanmar's democratic transition and governance reforms, providing
technical assistance and capacity-building support for institutions and civil society.

- Following the 2021 military coup, Australia has focused on supporting efforts to restore democracy
and civilian governance in Myanmar.

### Challenges and Issues

1. **Political Instability**:

- The political instability in Myanmar, particularly following the military coup, poses significant
challenges to the bilateral relationship. Australia's response includes sanctions and advocacy for a return
to democratic governance.

2. **Human Rights Concerns**:

- Human rights violations in Myanmar, especially concerning the treatment of the Rohingya and
political dissidents, are major issues in the bilateral relationship. Australia's foreign policy prioritizes
addressing these concerns through diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.

### Conclusion

Myanmar's foreign policy with Australia is multifaceted, involving diplomatic engagement, economic
cooperation, development assistance, and advocacy for human rights and democracy. While the
relationship has seen periods of significant engagement, it is currently influenced by the political
situation in Myanmar, with Australia taking a principled stance on promoting democratic governance
and human rights. The cooperation in education and development remains strong, contributing to long-
term capacity building and people-to-people ties.
Rating the relationship between Myanmar and Australia on a scale of 1 to 100 involves considering
various aspects such as political relations, economic ties, development cooperation, and cultural
exchanges. Here is an assessment of their bilateral relations:

### Political Relations: 50/100

- Diplomatic ties exist, and both countries maintain embassies in each other's capitals.

- Relations have been strained due to concerns over human rights and political developments in
Myanmar, especially following the 2021 military coup. Australia has condemned the coup and called for
the restoration of democracy.

- Australia has imposed targeted sanctions against individuals and entities in Myanmar involved in
human rights abuses.

### Economic Relations: 40/100

- Trade between Myanmar and Australia is modest. Australia imports goods such as textiles and
agricultural products from Myanmar, while exporting machinery, vehicles, and food products.

- Investment from Australia in Myanmar is limited, affected by political instability and economic
challenges in Myanmar.

### Development Cooperation: 60/100

- Australia provides significant development assistance to Myanmar, focusing on sectors like health,
education, and governance.

- Australian aid supports humanitarian efforts, particularly for displaced populations and vulnerable
communities within Myanmar.

### Cultural and Educational Exchanges: 55/100

- Educational cooperation is a strong point, with scholarships and academic exchanges available for
Myanmar students to study in Australia.

- Cultural exchanges, though limited, exist through events and programs that promote mutual
understanding and people-to-people ties.

### Human Rights and Democracy Promotion: 50/100

- Australia actively advocates for human rights and democratic governance in Myanmar. This includes
support for civil society organizations and efforts to promote political reforms.
- Australia’s stance on human rights issues affects its diplomatic and political relations with Myanmar,
often leading to tensions.

### International Cooperation: 45/100

- Australia and Myanmar cooperate within regional and international forums such as ASEAN (where
Australia is a dialogue partner) and the United Nations.

- Australia’s alignment with Western policies and sanctions against Myanmar impacts the extent and
nature of international cooperation.

### Overall Rating: 50/100

This overall rating reflects a relationship characterized by balanced engagement across political,
economic, developmental, and cultural dimensions. While there are significant areas of cooperation,
especially in development and education, political and human rights issues present challenges that
strain relations. The relationship is pragmatic, with Australia seeking to support Myanmar's
development and democratic processes while addressing concerns over governance and human rights.