The European Union agreed Monday to lift the last of its trade, economic and individual sanctions against Myanmar as it embarks on "a new chapter" with the once pariah state.

"The EU is willing to open a new chapter in its relations with Myanmar/Burma, building a lasting partnership," said an EU foreign ministers' statement approved without a vote.

A year after first suspending sanctions against Myanmar in reward for its historic reforms, EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg announced a definitive end to restrictive measures but leave in place an arms embargo.

"In response to the changes that have taken place and in the expectation that they will continue, the Council has decide to lift all sanctions with the exception of the embargo on arms," the statement said.

It warns however that "there are still significant challenges to be addressed," in particular an end to hostilities in Kachin State and appeasement of the tensions regarding the Rohingya people.

AFP