Myanmar’s president is set to reinforce his deepening relations with western governments in a trip to New York this week, fresh from a rare visit to China where he also sought to reassure his neighbour that it remained an important ally.
The timing of Thein Sein’s trips underscores the tricky balancing act he is playing as the US and Europe swiftly upgrade their dialogue with Myanmar, while there are signs that China is concerned that its relationship with the south-east Asian nation could weaken in the face of greater western influence.
The leader will arrive at the UN on Thursday where he will address the General Assembly, in the shadow of a trip by opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.