Myanmar's gov't welcomes Obama's historic visit

Nov 9, 1:11 AM EST     

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) -- Myanmar's government says it "warmly welcomes" President Barack Obama's decision to visit the country this month, noting it will increase the momentum of democratic reform.

Obama will become the first U.S. president to visit the once pariah nation, which is emerging from decades of military rule.

Presidential office spokesman Maj. Zaw Htay says he believes the "support and encouragement by the U.S. president and American people will strengthen the commitment of President Thein Sein's reform process to move forward without backtracking."

Zaw Htay said in a statement Friday that the government hopes "bilateral relations and cooperation will significantly increase after this historic visit."

During his Nov. 17-20 trip, Obama will also travel to Thailand and Cambodia, the latter another first for a U.S. president.

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