Myanmar and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to continue and strengthen dialogue and cooperation in the field of human rights.In a joint press release published here Monday following the holding of the second Myanmar-EU human rights dialogue in Yangon on the previous days, the EU underlined its strong commitment to continue supporting Myanmar's democratic transition and reform and to further deepen bilateral ties.

During the dialogue, both side provided updates on ongoing efforts to strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights.

On migration, the two sides agreed on the importance of saving lives and protecting the human rights of the affected population with the EU welcoming and encouraging regional initiatives to combat people smuggling and human trafficking in countries of origin, transit and destination and to provide necessary assistance, referring the recent events in the Mediterranean and Andaman Sea, the release said.

Agreeing that 2015 will be a landmark year in Myanmar's democratization process with general election taking place later this year, the EU expected that election will be inclusive, credible and transparent.

The Myanmar side reiterated its determination to conduct free and fair election in accordance with the international standard, expressing appreciation of the EU's recent exploratory mission on assessing the feasibility of sending an EU election observation mission later this year, it said.

Both side agreed to hold the next formal dialogue in Brussels in 2016, the release added.

The Myanmar-EU bilateral human rights dialogue, preceded by a civil society forum, was co-chaired by Permanent Secretary of the Myanmar Foreign Ministry U Aung Lynn and head of EU delegation Ambassador Roland Kobia.