The government of Myanmar has signed a nationwide ceasefire deal with eight armed ethnic groups.

The signing ceremony in the capital, Nay pyi taw, was the culmination of two years of peace talks.

But the most active rebel groups – seven of the 15 groups involved in negotiations – stayed out of the deal.

Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been engaged in armed conflict with various groups seeking greater autonomy since independence from the British in 1948.

The government hopes that Thursday’s deal will be the first step on a path to a lasting political settlement.