( CNN ) -- Australia said Monday that it was relaxing sanctions on Myanmar , responding to the Southeast Asian country 's political reforms by significantly reducing the number of government officials and lawmakers subject to travel restrictions . The Australian government said it would also encourage trade with Myanmar , which had long languished under oppressive military rule . Australia 's previous stance had been to neither encourage nor discourage trade and investment with Myanmar , which is also known as Burma . The announcement by Australia follows moves by a number of Western countries to reward recent efforts by the Myanmar president , Thein Sein , and his government to bring about change in the country , including holding by-elections earlier this month in which opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi 's party won dozens of seats . `` Reducing our sanctions and encouraging trade recognize the far-reaching political , economic and social reforms we are witnessing in Burma in recent times , '' the Australian foreign minister , Bob Carr , said in a statement . Carr and the trade minister , Craig Emerson , highlighted the recent release of hundreds of political prisoners , the pursuit of peace deals with ethnic groups and improved laws on freedom of expression , labor rights and political participation . The number of people in Myanmar subject to financial sanctions and travel restrictions by Australia will drop to about 130 from 392 , the Australian statement said . Thein Sein `` and other reformists within the government and parliament will be removed from the list , while serving military figures and individuals of human rights concern will remain , '' according to the statement . Australia will also maintain its arms embargo on Myanmar , it said . After separate meetings with Thein Sein and Suu Kyi in Myanmar on Friday , Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain said sanctions on the country should be suspended , rather than lifted entirely , to encourage further progress in democracy and human rights . His suggestion was supported by Suu Kyi , who noted that a suspension would make it clear that sanctions could be reimposed if reforms are obstructed . European Union foreign ministers said in January that they would suspend a visa ban on Thein Sein , as well as on Myanmar 's vice presidents , cabinet members and speakers of parliament , calling it `` a first step '' that could be followed by a `` further easing '' of restrictions in the subsequent months . The United States has said it will take several significant steps to normalize relations with Myanmar , including facilitating travel to the United States for select government officials and members of parliament .
Australia highlights the release of political prisoners and peace efforts with ethnic groups . It significantly reduces the number of Myanmar officials subject to travel restrictions . The Australian government also normalizes trade relations with the country . Myanmar 's military rulers have begun loosening their grip on power in recent months .