Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe began his landmark visit to Myanmar on Saturday (May 25th) by visiting Myanmar's mausoleum in Yangon. The mausoleum commemorates General Aung San, father of Aung San Suu Kyi, and six members of his national council who helped then Burma gain it's independence from British colonial rule. General Aung San and his men were assassinated in Yangon on July 19, 1947, six months before Burma gained independence from Britain. Abe's visit marks the first time in 36 years that a Japanese leader visited the country. Former Japanese Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda visited Myanmar in 1977. On Saturday Abe will also visit various Yangon landmarks, including cemeteries of Japanese citizens. Later he will meet with Aung San Suu Kyi. The Japanese leader is expected to announce a hefty development aid package. Abe is said to be very interested in securing Japanese investments in Myanmar. Abe will also visit the Thilawa industrial zone being developed by Japanese firms. On Sunday (May 26th), the last day of his visit, Abe will fly to the capital, Naypyitaw, to meet Myanmar's president, Thein Sein.