<p>An internal combustion engine according to the present invention includes an exhaust treatment apparatus provided in an exhaust passage, and a burner apparatus provided upstream of the exhaust treatment apparatus to raise exhaust temperature. A valve driving state of at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve is controlled so as to reduce a flow rate of exhaust gas passing through the burner apparatus when the flow rate of the exhaust gas is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. Possible flame blow-out in the burner apparatus can be prevented or suppressed to ensure sufficient ignition performance.</p>
