On April 8, a delegation from Myanmar headed by Parliament Member Mr. Kyi Myint and Mr. Aung Kyaw Khin and attended by seven other staff visited the National Assembly Research Service. The main purpose of the visit was to learn about the roles and functions of NARS prior to establishing a new research service in Myanmar’s parliament.

Dr. Koh Hyun-wook, Chief of NARS, greeted the delegates and introduced the specific work of NARS. The delegates from Myanmar showed great interest in the duties and responsibilities of NARS. They were particularly interested in the research request process of NARS, how NARS collects overseas and local information, and the efforts that are made to maintain neutrality and confidentiality. Moreover, NARS’s annual publications, budget and hiring process were also addressed during the meeting.

Both NARS and Myanmar’s parliament have maintained a close relationship. Last year their cooperation was robust. In April and August 2013, the two institutions carried out a staff exchange program and in November a delegation from Myanmar came to Seoul to participate in the 4th International Seminar for Parliamentary Research Services. Based on the close cooperation between the two institutions, NARS expects this meeting to further consolidate its relationship with Myanmar.