YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — In a first since World War II, Japan’s army chief is visiting Myanmar.

Chief of Staff of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Gen. Shigeru Iwasaki arrived in the capital of Naypyitaw on Monday to meet his counterpart and to build closer military ties.

He will meet commander-in-chief of defense services Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing on Tuesday to discuss bilateral military ties and mutual cooperation in security and disaster relief.

Iwasaki will also meet President Thein Sein, who has also rekindled military ties with the U.S., before visiting Yangon on Wednesday.

Japan had no military relations with Myanmar under the country’s previous military regime.

Myanmar, also called Burma, was under Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945.

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