According to reports, during South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan’s recent two-day visit to Myanmar, the two countries tried to explore new fronts in their bilateral ties. Kim is the first Korean diplomat to visit Myanmar in 27 years. South Korea, just like other global powers, is seeking to tap Myanmar’s huge resource reserves and growth potential, as the former pariah state is trying to bring about heavy reforms within the country and transform itself into a new regional growth center. At present South Korea seems to be primarily interested in diversifying its economic cooperation with Myanmar through business deals, development aids and personnel exchanges. Seoul is also trying to seek supply of energy and fuel sources beyond the volatile Middle East. 1

• 1. “Seoul explores new fronts in Myanmar ties”, Korea Herald, May 3, 2012, at http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20120503001274