Derek Mitchell on 11 July 2012 assumed the charge as the first US Ambassador to Myanmar in the past 22 year. Mitchell met President Thein Sein in Myanmar’s capital Naypyitaw before assuming the charge.
Prior to his current assignment, Mitchell served as President Barack Obama's special envoy to Myanmar. The US Senate confirmed his appointment as ambassador to the country in June 2012. Earlier, charge d'affaires used to be the US’ top diplomat in Myanmar.
In yet another gesture of amity the US government eased sanctions on Myanmar, allowing American business houses to make investment in the southeast Asian nation. The decision marked a strong indication of US’ support to the political reforms being unfolded in Myanmar.
Prompted by the series of political reforms in the country, the US Government in January 2012 had announced to restore diplomatic relation with Myanmar. The former Junta ruled country has witnessed a slew of political reforms over the past few months, which witnessed pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi released from the year-long house arrest and moving to the parliament following a victory in by-elections.
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