Thaindian News

Washington, Dec 2 (IANS) US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wrapped up her three-day official visit to Myanmar Friday, saying there remains much work to be done with Myanmar in the democratisation process.

During the visit, Clinton met President U Thein Sein, Speaker of the House of Representatives U Shwe Mann, Speaker of the House of Nationalities and Union Parliament U Khin Aung Myint and Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin, Xinhua reported.

This was the first trip by a US secretary of state to the country since 1955.

U Thein Sein expressed belief that engagement between the two countries would be promoted to the level of friendly relations and cooperation.

He told Clinton that Myanmar was taking all steps for a smooth transition to democracy, assuring that the country would not take a U-turn as the government’s endeavour has won domestic and international support.

He assured the US secretary of state of all-inclusiveness in politics under law as well as the arrangement to enable Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), to register and enter in the elections.

Clinton invited a Myanmar delegation to visit US next year for further talks.

She said the US would coordinate in sending a World Bank mission to assist Myanmar’s banking system.

The US would also cooperate in the fight against drugs as well as help Myanmar participate in environmental conservation programmes.

As part of US efforts in normalising diplomatic relations, Clinton said a roadmap will be drawn to relax and lift economic sanctions, restrictions on the tourism sector and export and import embargo.

Clinton Friday met Suu Kyi as well as civil society representatives.

Clinton was accompanied by Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, Assistant Secretary of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Michael Posner and Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Myanmar Derek Mitchell.