While we have not specifically raised the issue of recent fighting in northern Shan State with the Burmese Government, we regularly raise our concerns about Burma's ongoing ethnic conflict, particularly in Kachin State—as Ministers did with President Thein Sein during his visit to London in July 2013. As I said to the House during the End of Day Adjournment Debate on 8 October 2013, Official Report, columns 138-40, we are concerned about recent outbreaks of fighting between the Kachin Independence Army and the Burmese military in Kachin and Shan States. We have consistently emphasised the importance of ending fighting across Burma and moving to political dialogue. We welcome the commitment of the Kachin Independence Organisation and the Burmese Government to the process of dialogue. British embassy officials remain in close contact with both sides, most recently having visited Kachin State in late September. British experts with experience of the Northern Ireland peace process have been sharing expertise with the Burmese Government and the ethnic groups, including the Kachin Independence Organisation. We continue to offer our support to both sides, if requested to provide it.