The new Ambassador of the European Union to Myanmar, Mr Kristian Schmidt, handed over his credentials to the President of the Union of Myanmar, U Htin Kyaw, at the presidential palace in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday. Ambassador Schmidt will represent the European Union in Myanmar and serve as Head of the EU Delegation in Yangon during the next four years.
'I applied to serve the European Union in Myanmar because I sincerely believe Myanmar can achieve something extraordinary: the people of Myanmar made a democratic decision to escape decades of isolation and re-join the community of nations with dignity and self-confidence. Hard work is needed to overcome the challenges in becoming a modern, peaceful and prosperous democracy, and no-one else can do it for you. However, I look forward to walking with you for the coming four years, "said Ambassador Schmidt after the hand-over ceremony.
Ambassador Schmidt has previously served as the Head of the European Union Delegation to Uganda and held several senior positions in the European Union's headquarters in Brussels. Ambassador Schmidt is a Danish national with extensive experience in development cooperation, security and peace-keeping matters.