Japan has issued multiple-entry visas for Myanmar nationals, as part of efforts to increase Myanmar visitors to Japan and expand bilateral exchanges, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

A multiple visa, effective Wednesday, will be valid for up to three years, allowing a bearer to stay in Japan for up to 15 days in a single visit. So far, Myanmar nationals were required to obtain single-entry visas to enter Japan.

The measure came as the two countries mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.

In a meeting with Myanmar President Thein Sein in December in Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged about 63 billion yen in new loans to Myanmar to develop a special economic zone, upgrade a railway network and promote other infrastructure projects.

The two governments also signed a bilateral investment treaty to boost Japanese investment in the Southeast Asian country.