RANGOON, Burma – President Thein Sein left Sunday (July 14th) to visit Britain and France, his second trip to Europe in the last few months, amid growing support for the domestic reforms he has implemented since taking office in 2011, AFP reported.

Earlier, to boost ties, Thein Sein visited several European countries in March – although Britain and France were not on the itinerary then.

The EU has lifted most sanctions except an arms embargo and readmitted Burma to its preferred trade status programme, saying it wants to boost economic development.