The Secretary-General met today with President Thein Sein; Thura Shwe Mann, the Speaker of the People’s Assembly; and Khin Aung Myint, the Speaker of the Nationalities Assembly. Upon arrival in the capital, Naypyitaw, yesterday, he met with Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin.

Building on their previous meetings, the Secretary-General and President Thein Sein had warm and constructive discussions on a broad range of issues of mutual interest to Myanmarand the United Nations. The Secretary-General expressed his strong support and encouragement for the continued leadership of President Thein Sein and the efforts of his Government in sustaining the ongoing political and economic reforms in a way which further strengthens democracy, national reconciliation and development for all the peoples of Myanmar. 

In all of his meetings, the Secretary-General expressed his strong commitment to work with the people and Government to build a closer partnership between the UN and Myanmar in support of such efforts, including:

• UN availability to support and backup for the democratic and national reconciliation processes as may be required, including potential opportunities for UN support in the area of peace-building to help create conditions conducive to the successful implementation of ceasefire agreements and sustainable peace, including to help create peace dividends in support of the resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced people, returnees and migrants.
• UN technical assistance and help to mobilize financial support for Myanmar’s first population and housing census in 2014, in accordance with international standards and principles.Greater engagement by the UN System to support Myanmar’s efforts to define and meet its development priorities, including through the normalization of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) country programme, including for capacity-building, governance and rule of law, and to assist with aid coordination as required.
• UN availability to help Myanmar advance the process of democratization and development, including the possibility of tapping into UN expertise and best practices in the areas of electoral assistance in the run-up to the 2015 elections, and exchange of relevant experiences and best practices in the areas of human rights, including strengthening the independence of the National Human Rights Commission.