Myanmar is set to establish diplomatic ties with three countries from the African continent, namely Benin, Congo and Togo. According to a report in the Myanmar Times, U Kyaw Tin, Minister for International Cooperation, told parliament that the decision had been made in part because of the countries’ support for Myanmar at the United Nations, following international criticism for its handling of the crisis in Rakhine State. “As they cast neutral votes on Myanmar at the UN, Myanmar should establish diplomatic ties with them,” he said. Kyaw Tin said that although the countries are geographically distant from Myanmar, they could offer international support for Myanmar, and vice versa.