President Barack Obama says Burmese President Thein Sein has pledged to release more political prisoners and institutionalize democratic reforms in that southeast Asian country.
Obama met with Thein Sein at the White House on May 20 in what was seen as a gesture of U.S. support for Burma’s moves toward democracy after decades of repressive military rule.
It the first visit to the U.S. in 47 years by a leader of Burma, which is also known as Myanmar.
Obama told reporters he had expressed U.S. concerns to Thein Sein about violence against Burmese minority Muslims.
Thein Sein said his country faced challenges in carrying out reforms but pledged to continue moves in the reform direction.
Some pro-democracy activists have criticized the visit, saying reforms remain unfinished in Burma.
Obama met with Thein Sein at the White House on May 20 in what was seen as a gesture of U.S. support for Burma’s moves toward democracy after decades of repressive military rule.
It the first visit to the U.S. in 47 years by a leader of Burma, which is also known as Myanmar.
Obama told reporters he had expressed U.S. concerns to Thein Sein about violence against Burmese minority Muslims.
Thein Sein said his country faced challenges in carrying out reforms but pledged to continue moves in the reform direction.
Some pro-democracy activists have criticized the visit, saying reforms remain unfinished in Burma.