Burma and the United States took another step toward closer relations with an agreement on Thursday to resume cooperation in fighting narcotics after nearly nine years. State television said the two sides agreed to restart joint opium poppy yield surveys early this year and cooperate in counter-narcotics training. US Ambassador Derek Mitchell told reporters after a signing ceremony in the capital, Naypyidaw, that the agreement “is another step forward in our overall relationship. We’re very pleased with that.” Police Col. Myint Thein said the survey would provide better information about poppy cultivation and production. “I am confident that it will help our counter-narcotic efforts,” he said.—AP