The United Nations has opened its first office in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, as part of plans to form a closer working relationship with the government, according to the UN’s information department. “This UN office symbolizes the UN’s effort to coordinate and do its utmost to support the government and people of Myanmar and live up to the values enshrined in the UN charter,” Mr Haoliang Xu, UN assistant secretary general, was quoted as saying in a story in the Myanmar Times. He added that the move was evidence of the UN’s commitment to working closely with the government and people of Myanmar. The announcement comes after two UN departments signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government recently regarding the repatriation of refugees from Bangladesh. However, rights groups have criticized the deal, saying it was not conducted in a transparent manner and did not include consultation with the refugees.