Relations between Myanmar and the European Union (EU) started to improve as Myanmar is heading for change and reform which are being gradually introduced after a new civilian government took office in March 2011.

European Union Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs visited Myanmar from Feb. 12 to 14. At the conclusion of his visit on Tuesday, Piebalgs voiced support and encouragement for Myanmar' s current change and reform, saying that such measures may lead to the easing of sanctions on the country.

"The measures will be fully reviewed in April. The conduct of by-elections on April 1 and the release of political prisoners will influence the outcome", Piebalgs said.

In constructive talks with President U Thein Sein, Speaker of the House of Representatives U Shwe Mann and four ministers including Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin in Nay Pyi Taw, Piebalgs announced a new aid package of 150 million euros (200 million U.S. dollars) for the next two years, doubling EU aid since 1996.

The fund, which will beef up the current aid provided by the United Nations and non-governmental organizations since 1996, is said to finance projects in the areas of health, education and livelihood.

The EU had provided 174 millions euros to Myanmar since 1996 to help fight malaria and tuberculosis and improve infrastructures in rural areas.

He disclosed that the aid had been able to help almost 90,000 people cultivate the land and have access to food, bring 6 million children to school and treat 2 million people with malaria and 600, 000 with HIV.

He also expressed readiness to increase aid to foster Myanmar's development in the coming years when market access is restored.

He commended the government for the significant progress in advancing the peace process, agreeing with the government "to explore support for the peace process in the ethnic states".

He discussed with the government on cooperation on human rights, rule of law and release of political prisoners.

He encouraged the government to ensure a free and fair electoral process during the campaign and on election day.

Piebalgs hoped that after April by-elections, Myanmar and the EU could engage in a new chapter of political, economic and development cooperation.

He added that he had an open and constructive meeting with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon and visited an EU- funded project in Dala township.

He disclosed that EU will open a representative office in Yangon to manage aid programs by the end of April.

Meeting in Brussels in January, EU foreign ministers, recognizing Myanmar's political reforms, agreed to ease travel restrictions on its senior government officials, lifting the visa ban on Myanmar's president, vice presidents, cabinet members and parliamentary speakers.

The reforms have included the release of hundreds of political prisoners, the freeing of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from years of house arrest and allowing her and her party to participate in the April parliamentary by-elections and agreeing to pursue peace efforts with ethnic armed groups.

Further easing of restrictions will be possible as Myanmar introduces more reforms.

EU introduced sanctions on Myanmar in 1996 which was renewed annually. The sanctions also included barring EU companies and organizations from investing in Myanmar.

Piedalgs claimed that his trip to Myanmar was "to assess the ongoing reform and encourage their continuation".

It was also the first trip to Myanmar by a top EU official after the new government took office in March 2011 and started reform.