During his speech, Obama praised reforms implemented by Burmese President Thein Sein as the right steps towards democracy. However “this is just the first step in what will be a long journey, one that can lead to incredible development opportunities”.

Obama said the US is “committed to continue to work very hard to try to strengthen the bilateral relationships so that we can promote progress that will be good not only for this country but also for the region and for the international community”.

 He thanked Thein Sein for co-operating in non-proliferation by not securing weapons of mass destruction – a big concern for the United States and the world.

Obama remarked that he looks forward to meeting with the Myanmar president again in the near future.

After the US President met with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi at her lakeside home where she was held under 15-year house arrest for pro-democracy activism.

Daw Aung Suu Kyi thanked the US for supporting her country towards democracy. She was glad to have the opportunity to meet openly for a frank discussion, and knows he can be counted on for the long road that lies ahead.

 “The most difficult time in any transition is when we think that success is in sight, then we have to be very careful that we are not lured by a mirage of success and that we are working towards genuine success for our people and for the friendship between the two countries,” she said.

Obama referred to Daw Aung Suu Kyi as an “inspiration” and “icon of democracy”. He  praised her unbreakable courage and determination, and said this visit is just the beginning of a new chapter between the US and Burma.

Last year Hilary Clinton visited Myanmar to encourage reform efforts already underway in the country.

Since then hundreds of political prisoners have been released, press laws have been relaxed and labor laws drafted. However fighting between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and Myanmar army is still ongoing.

Obama said the country will need to find a solution to end the war in Kachin State to move forward. He also made reference to the plight of the stateless Rohingya.

 “Our goal is to sustain the momentum for democratization that includes building credible government institutions, establishing rule of law, ending ethnic conflicts, and ensuring that the people of this country have access to greater education, health care, and economic opportunity,” said Obama.