Australia has boosted its aid and eased restrictions on defence cooperation with Myanmar as Thein Sein became the country’s first head of state to visit the country since 1974. Canberra said it was increasing its support to recognise reforms made as Myanmar approaches the second anniversary of a quasi-civilian government led by former general Sein taking power. Prime Minister Julia Gillard said $20.7m would be provided over two years for “strengthening democratic institutions, promoting human rights, improving economic governance and advancing the rule of law”. “As a close neighbour, Australia will benefit from a more open and prosperous Myanmar that is fully integrated into the region,” she said on Monday. “Australia’s commitment to expand its constructive engagement with Myanmar recognises the unprecedented process of change under way there towards political freedom and the new opportunity this brings to help promote the prosperity of Myanmar and its people.