The president of Myanmar will make an official visit to New Zealand this week.
Thein Sein accepted an invitation from Prime Minister John Key in November, following Mr Key's visit to the South East Asian country to give his support for economic and political reforms.
He arrives on Thursday in Auckland where he will receive a formal state welcome at Government House.
He will also meet with representatives from the University of Auckland and dairy company Fonterra and visit a dairy farm during his four day stay.
Prime Minister John Key says the visit is significant in building relationships with Myanmar.
Mr Key says Myanmar is rapidly emerging as an important counterpart for New Zealand and, given its political and social reforms, it is worth investing in that relationship.
The visit is the first by a leader of Myanmar to New Zealand.
