Myanmar: Ban welcomes reform measures in meeting with President Thein

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today met with the President of Myanmar, Thein Sein, and welcomed the ongoing political and economic reform effort in the Asian country, including the recent measures to advance national dialogue and reconciliation.

During the meeting, on the sidelines of the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Bali, Indonesia, Mr. Ban also welcomed the response that the positive steps have generated from other stakeholders in Myanmar, including pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

The meeting between the Secretary-General and Mr. Thein coincided with the decision by ASEAN regarding the resumption of Myanmar's chairmanship of the association in 2014.

Mr. Ban encouraged all parties in Myanmar to seize the historic opportunity to build on the latest measures through an inclusive and broad-based political process to strengthen national unity and set the reform process on an irreversible course to fulfil the promises made to the people of Myanmar.

The Secretary-General and Mr. Thein also discussed ways in which the international community and the United Nations can further encourage and support the Government and people of Myanmar in their efforts towards democracy, peace and development.