The role of Burma’s military in political affairs could be reduced in the future “if and when it is appropriate,” the country’s defense minister said at a regional gathering on security issues over the weekend. Hla Min made the comment at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue—a gathering of defense ministers, permanent heads of ministries and military chiefs of 28 Asia-Pacific states—held in Singapore on June 1-3. Earlier at the same conference, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said cooperation with Burma on security matters was possible if ongoing reforms in the country continue.