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A delegation of U.S. officials traveled to Myanmar this week to help secure the release of detained American citizen Adam Castillo, marking a rare direct engagement between Washington and Myanmar’s military-backed government.
A U.S. State Department spokesman confirmed Thursday that American officials met with authorities during the visit. The trip appears to represent one of the most significant diplomatic contacts between the two countries since Myanmar’s military seized power in a 2021 coup that removed elected leaders, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
Myanmar announced Wednesday that Castillo, a businessman and former U.S. Marine, had been released and deported. Authorities said the decision was made in consideration of friendly bilateral relations between Myanmar and the United States.
Castillo had been detained in June following a business dispute. His sister, Amanda Castillo, thanked President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance for their efforts to secure his release.
Since the 2021 military takeover, Washington has largely avoided high-level engagement with Myanmar’s government. The United States also imposed financial sanctions targeting military leaders and businesses linked to the regime.
The State Department said the United States continues to maintain a diplomatic presence in Myanmar and communicates with various groups, including authorities in the capital, Naypyitaw, when U.S. interests are involved.
According to the spokesman, American officials continue to press Myanmar authorities to end violence, permit humanitarian access and release political prisoners as part of efforts to establish conditions for lasting peace.
The State Department did not identify the members of the U.S. delegation or disclose which Myanmar officials participated in the meetings.
The diplomatic visit comes as Myanmar’s military-backed government seeks greater international recognition. Military leader Min Aung Hlaing, who led the 2021 takeover and subsequent crackdown on opposition, installed himself as president earlier this year following elections that were widely criticized internationally over their credibility.
