The group of 19 creditor countries agreed Friday to "deliver an exceptional treatment," and write off the arrears "in nominal terms in two phases," said a government statement published by The New Light of Myanmar.
"The remaining amounts will be rescheduled over 15 years, including a 7-year grace period," it said.
Norway has cancelled debts of 534 million dollars while Japan has committed to a "substantial cancellation" of arrears of more than 3 billion dollars, it said.
The move acknowledges the reforms undertaken by Myanmar's civilian government since it came to power in March 2011.//DPA