Hello English Language Educators! Are you interested in expanding your knowledge and skills as a teacher? Interested in taking a free online course developed by a U.S. university? Apply now to be part of the Online Professional English Network (OPEN) Program through the U.S. Embassy! Submit your application between September 30 and October 7 at …

Attention all English Language Educators: are you interested in expanding your knowledge and skills as a teacher? Interested in taking a free online course developed by a U.S. university? Apply today to be part of the Online Professional English Network (OPEN) Program through the U.S. Embassy in Burma! Submit your application before June 24 to …

Frequently Asked Questions On January 31, 2020, the President signed a proclamation suspending the entry into the United States of any foreign nationals who were present in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, during the 14 day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into …

On January 31, 2020, the President signed a proclamation suspending the entry into the United States of any foreign nationals who were present in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, during the 14 day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. …

Suntec Convention Centre Suntec City, Singapore VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: Your Majesty, your excellencies, it is my honor to join you all here at the 6th Summit between the United States of America and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Last year, President Trump attended this summit to share our nation’s vision of a “free and …

Transcript:  Remarks by Vice President Pence and Union Minister of Foreign Affairs and State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma Before Bilateral Meeting November 14, 2018 The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore Singapore “VICE PRESIDENT PENCE:  Well, thank you, Madam State Counselor.  Thank you for reaching out for this meeting.  I’m grateful to have the opportunity …

Attention:  Nonimmigrant visa fees and validities are changing.  Effective April 9, the following changes will be implemented: Visa Classification Purpose of Visa Issuance Fee MRV fee Total New Fees Permitted Entries Visa Validity Old Fee New Fee Old Validity New Validity B1 Business $162 $440 $160 $600 Multiple 12 Months 12 Months B2 Tourism $32 …

STATEMENT ON THE DIPLOMATIC VISITS TO RAKHINE STATE IN FEBRUARY 2018 February 19, 2018 – Yangon, Myanmar We thank the Government of Myanmar for arranging the recent diplomatic visits to Rakhine State.  We appreciated the opportunity to interact with local communities and government officials, even under those constrained circumstances, and to see for ourselves the …

Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel later this week to Tokyo, Naypyitaw, Seoul, and Beijing to consult with U.S. allies in the region; see first-hand progress in Burma’s post-election democratic transition; conduct the interim Strategic Security Dialogue with the Chinese government; and discuss a range of other regional and global issues. Read More

Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Tom Malinowski will travel to Burma and the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) in Hawaii, January 17-21, 2016. Read More  [ Burmese Translation ]

This 68th anniversary of Myanmar’s independence follows your country’s historic parliamentary elections on November 8. On that day, millions of people around the country, many voting for the first time, seized the opportunity to move Myanmar one step closer to a more democratic, peaceful, and prosperous future. Read More

We, Heads of State/Government of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States of America, gathered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 21 November 2015 for the 3rd ASEAN-U.S. Summit. Read More

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Hello, everybody!  Everybody have a seat.  Thank you so much.  Well, good afternoon.  This is a very good-looking group. I want to thank Carrie for the introduction and your outstanding work to empower women in Singapore.  Give Carrie a big round of applause.  It is wonderful to be back in Malaysia.  I want …

The Director of Policy Planning, David McKean, will travel to India, November 17–18. In New Delhi, he will hold the first U.S.-India Policy Planning talks with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. These talks were established at the 2015 U.S.-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue as part of a New Diplomacy Partnership between the United States …

President Obama’s ninth trip to Asia and the Pacific in November 2015 reflects the growing importance of the region to U.S. national interests and the Administration’s commitment to advancing our broader regional strategy, known as the Rebalance.  With nearly half of the earth’s population, one-third of global GDP, and some of the world’s most capable …

President Obama spoke last night by phone with President Thein Sein to offer his congratulations to the people of Burma for their participation in the historic parliamentary election on November 8, 2015.  The President commended the efforts of the Union Election Commission and others in the government for their work with political parties, civil society, …

President Obama spoke last night by phone with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to congratulate her on her campaign and the success of the National League for Democracy (NLD) in Burma’s historic parliamentary election that was held on November 8, 2015.  The President commended her for her tireless efforts and sacrifice over so many years …

With today’s elections, the people of Burma marked an important event in their path to democracy, one that has seen many ups, downs and false starts over the years, and I congratulate them for taking this step toward a peaceful and inclusive future. Following a competitive campaign period, millions of people from a wide range …

The United States congratulates the people of Myanmar on the November 8 election and commends all of the people and institutions in the country who worked together to hold a peaceful and historic poll. Millions of people from around the country, many of whom were voting for the first time, seized this opportunity to move …

Statement by the Diplomatic Missions of Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the United Nations on Myanmar’s Elections As Myanmar approaches historic elections on Sunday, the diplomatic missions of Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, …

The United States commends all sides for their ongoing efforts to bring an end to the longest running civil conflict in the world. The signing of the text of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) by the government and eight ethnic armed groups is a critical first step in a long process of building a sustainable …

On October 14, 2015, Secretary Kerry submitted the 2014 International Religious Freedom Report to the United States Congress. Now in its 17th year, this congressionally-mandated Report comprises almost 200 distinct reports on countries and territories worldwide and continues to reflect the United States’ commitment to, and advancement of, the right of every person to freedom …

Do you know about the United States Diversity Visa Program? Online registration for the 2017 Diversity Visa Lottery is open October 1 through November 3, 2015. The U.S. Embassy’s Consular section will host free public information sessions about the Diversity Visa program at the Judson Center and the American Center in Yangon. The presentations will …

As more than 2 million Muslims from around the world and across the United States mark the end of their holy pilgrimage of Hajj in Mecca, Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes to Muslims around the world celebrating Eid al-Adha. This pilgrimage and Eid is about sacrifice, almsgiving, and equality. Thousands of Muslims around the …

The United States is concerned about the disqualification of approximately 100 candidates for Burma’s upcoming general election, with over half of the cases rejected based on questions of citizenship. We are aware of reports that almost all Muslim candidates have been disqualified — including some current members of parliament — yet the relevant authorities have yet …

The quality of the parliamentary election on 8 November will be a critical marker in Myanmar’s transition to democracy. For that reason, we are supporting efforts to promote a credible, transparent, and inclusive election, underpinned by healthy competition that ensures freedom of expression and respect for human rights. Read More

Under the Foreign Relations Authorization Act (FRAA), the President is required each year to notify Congress of those countries he determines to be major illicit drug producing countries or major drug-transit countries that “significantly affect the United States.”  This year’s list consists of 22 countries: Afghanistan, the Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican …

Pursuant to section 706(1) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228) (FRAA), I hereby identify the following countries as major drug transit and/or major illicit drug producing countries:  Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, …

The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce an award of $125,000 to World Monuments Fund (WMF) to restore the historic First Baptist Church in Mawlamyine, Mon State, through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. The First Baptist Church in Mawlamyine was constructed in 1827 by Adoniram Judson, an American missionary who spent nearly 40 years …

From September 3-5, Assistant Secretary Russel will travel to Naypyidaw and Rangoon, Burma to meet with senior Burmese government officials, Aung San Suu Kyi, and civil society. While there, he will discuss preparations for the general elections that will be held on November 8, express U.S. support for the ongoing peace process, and encourage further …

From 1962 to 2011, Burma was ruled by a military-led government that isolated the country from the rest of the world. Burma’s economy is extremely under-developed, its civilian institutions are weak, and the criminal justice system is broken. Burma’s population has suffered from decades of severe poverty, discrimination, and a lack of access to government …

U.S. Ambassador Derek Mitchell, joined by USAID Mission Director Chris Milligan,visited Sittwe and Mrauk-U on August 19-21. The visit was an opportunity to see firsthand the damage caused by Cyclone Komen and resulting floods, and to hear directly from local communities about relief and recovery efforts. Read More

The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Office of Food for Peace today approved a new contribution of $3 million to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to assist people impacted by devastating floods and heavy rains in Myanmar. Over three thousand, three hundred metric tons of locally procured rice, pulses and salt, …

Today marks the 27th anniversary of a tragic day in the modern history of this country, a day of bloodshed and sacrifice that ushered in a new era of division. As landmark elections approach, and as people of all ethnicities, races and religions unite in common cause to provide emergency relief to those affected by …

Yangon, Myanmar – Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those affected by the flooding and heavy rains in Myanmar. Yesterday, Secretary of State John Kerry announced the United States government would provide $600,000 for immediate response through USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). Read More

Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the flooding and heavy rains in Myanmar. The U.S. Government will provide $600,000 for immediate response through USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). We have a team on the ground working with local officials and our existing partners to meet the urgent needs of those …

As flooding continues to affect hundreds of thousands of people across Myanmar, our thoughts are with all the families and communities suffering from the disaster. The U.S. Embassy is coordinating with humanitarian partners to assess the damage and encourage a quick response for all those in need of assistance. We encourage people who want to …

The U.S. Embassy is deeply concerned by reports of intensifying military action in Kachin State and northern Shan State. Continued fighting needlessly puts the lives of vulnerable communities at risk and undermines the trust that will be essential to achieving a nationwide ceasefire agreement. We call on authorities to prioritize the needs of those displaced …

INL works to keep Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice and fairness by strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores. Read More

The United States is concerned over continued reports of arrests and excessive prison terms handed down to peaceful protesters under Article 18 of the Peaceful Assembly and Processions Act. Upholding an individual’s ability to exercise his or her basic rights of peaceful expression and assembly is central to any democracy, and fundamental to the on-going …

The United States welcomes the Union Election Commission’s (UEC) announcement that general elections will be held on November 8. The United States remains committed to supporting the holding of credible, transparent, and inclusive elections that reflect the will of the Myanmar people and that are held on time as scheduled, as an important marker in …

The U.S. Embassy is deeply saddened by reports of the loss of life and property due to recent flooding in Sagaing and throughout Myanmar. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and commend the efforts to date to provide aid and ensure rapid humanitarian access to assess the damage and meet …

Thousands of migrants from Burma and Bangladesh have become stranded in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea since May, increasing media and international attention on displacement and human rights issues in Burma, particularly relating to Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine.   Read More

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life and promotes accessibility to jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The ADA was the world’s first comprehensive law guaranteeing equal rights …

The Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the U.S. Government’s Development Finance Institution, approved financing and insurance commitments to support eight private sector-led development projects in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Read More

Transparency – ForeignAssistance.gov is the United States Government’s main tool for improving transparency in U.S. foreign assistance spending. Transparency supports the accountability, effectiveness, and improved coordination of our foreign aid programs and enables the public to better understand U.S. foreign assistance investments around the world. Read More

From the moment our Nation first came together to declare the fundamental truth that all men are created equal, courageous and dedicated patriots have fought to refine our founding promise and broaden democracy’s reach.  Over the course of more than two centuries of striving and sacrifice, our country has expanded civil rights and enshrined equal …

Yangon – During his May 21-22 visit to Naypyitaw and Yangon, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken emphasized the importance of continued political, economic, and social reforms to ensure sustained democratic change in Myanmar in his meetings with government, ethnic and civil society group leaders, political party representatives, and youth leaders. Deputy Secretary …

DEPUTY SECRETARY BLINKEN: I am very pleased to be with you today in Myanmar, and I thank the people of Myanmar for welcoming me and my colleagues with such kindness and warmth. Yesterday I met with President Thein Sein and other senior government leaders to discuss how the United States can continue to support the …

All right, good afternoon. It is wonderful to be here at @america with all of you, and I want to start by thanking our Ambassador Bob Blake, first of all for his very kind words of introduction but much more important for his wonderful leadership of our embassy and his wonderful friendship with the people …

On May 19, the Initiative to Promote Fundamental Labor Rights and Practices in Myanmar (the Initiative) concluded its first Stakeholder Forum in Yangon. Over 200 participants, representing labor, business, and civil society interests, as well as governments and international organizations, took part in two days of lively and constructive discussions on labor law reform, labor …

The United States is deeply concerned about legislative passage of the Health Care for Population Control Bill in Burma, paving the way for it to be enacted into law. This bill and the three other draft bills to purportedly “protect race and religion,” which address religious conversion, interfaith marriage, and monogamy, contain provisions that could …

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is a call to action, a plea to stand with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex communities (LGBTI) across the world and reaffirm our commitment to the equality and dignity of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Discrimination against LGBTI persons must end — …

Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam on May 16. While in Hanoi, Deputy Secretary Blinken will meet with senior Vietnamese government officials and representatives of civil society organizations. He will then travel on to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 19, where he will engage with youth at an …

During her visit, Ambassador Russell will meet with members of civil society, business owners and entrepreneurs, journalists, religious leaders, young people, women in technology, and internally displaced people.  She will also meet with members of the Burmese government. Ambassador Russell’s discussions will focus on gender-based violence, women’s economic opportunities, and the critical role for women …

Deputy National Security Advisor Benjamin Rhodes met today at the White House with Burma’s Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament, Shwe Mann.  Mr. Rhodes and Speaker Shwe Mann discussed the work of the Parliament and current efforts toward democratic reform in Burma, and Mr. Rhodes reiterated the U.S. commitment to deepen our bilateral engagement …

Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom David Saperstein will visit Burma together with Ambassador Andrew Bennett of Canada’s Office of Religious Freedom May 2-5. The Ambassadors will meet with religious and interfaith leaders, government officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations, students, and civil society activists, including representatives of Burma’s religious and ethnic minority communities. They …

The United States is concerned by reports that hundreds of Rakhine civilians have been displaced by recent fighting between the military and Arakan Army in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State. We urge all parties to cease hostilities, and ensure the protection of civilians and timely delivery of all necessary humanitarian assistance to the affected population in …

The U.S. Department of the Treasury today removed Burmese national, Win Aung, and two of his businesses from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list (SDN List). The United States has made clear that Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) – designated under any U.S. sanctions regime – can seek delisting. Read More

April 21 marked the one-year anniversary of the death of U Win Tin. As Ambassador Mitchell said last year, “As newspaper editor, author, poet, and for nearly two decades, political prisoner, U Win Tin was a man of rare integrity and courage, a man who dedicated his life to democratic principles, particularly the principle of …

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send my warmest wishes to the people of Myanmar on the occasion of the Thingyan Water Festival and New Year. Thingyan is a special occasion for celebration, prayer, and reflection. It is also a time for family, friends, and strangers alike to help …

“In keeping with our delegation’s priorities, we discussed security cooperation, human rights and trade. In all of our meetings, we emphasized President Obama’s priorities for Burma: progress toward peace; free, fair and on time elections; constitutional reform; respect for religious and ethnic minorities; and human rights. Read More

The United States is concerned by reports that the Government of Burma has filed criminal charges against peaceful protesters engaged in campaign activities advocating reform of the National Education Law. We call for the immediate, unconditional release of all individuals being detained in the country as a result of exercising their right to peacefully assemble. …

From 1962 to 2011, Burma was ruled by a military-led government that isolated the country from the rest of the world. Burma’s economy is extremely under-developed, its civilian institutions are weak, and the criminal justice system is broken. Burma’s population has suffered from decades of severe poverty, discrimination, and a lack of access to government …

The United States welcomes the Myanmar government’s commitment to hold a general election in late 2015. The 2015 election will be an important milestone in Myanmar’s transition to democracy and an opportunity to reaffirm to the world its commitment to political reform. U.S. assistance supports the country’s efforts to prepare for this historic event. The …

The Embassy joins those here and around the world who were deeply disturbed and saddened by the pictures and reports of violence in Letpadan on March 10, as well as in Yangon on March 5. Such incidents clearly set back the cause of reconciliation, and threaten to lower mutual trust in the reform process of …

Today at the Embassy of the United States the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Myanmar Chapter gave scholarships to 30 deserving University of Yangon students at the first annual AMCHAM Myanmar Chapter Scholarship Award Presentation. Recognizing the importance of education in improving the future prospects of young people in Myanmar, the American Chamber of Commerce …

The embassies of Australia, Denmark, the European Union, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America warmly welcome the political reforms that have occurred in Myanmar, particularly the Myanmar Government’s announcement that a general election will be held in late 2015. The election will be an important milestone in Myanmar’s transition to …

The American Soybean Association’s (ASA) World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) program organized the seminar with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and North Dakota Soybean Council. The Myanmar Food Processors and Exporters Association and Myanmar Edible Oil Dealers Association have endorsed the program. Held at the Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake, the …

The United States condemns the attack on a Myanmar Red Cross Society convoy in northern Shan State on February 17, which injured two humanitarian staff. Attacks on humanitarian workers, who often put themselves at personal risk to provide life-saving services to people in need, are unacceptable. We honor the brave work of the MRCS team, …

On February 2, Counselor Tom Shannon and Senior Advisor to the Secretary Ambassador David Thorne led a U.S. delegation to the Extraordinary Meeting of the Friends of the Lower Mekong in Pakse, Laos. The Friends of the Lower Mekong, a donor coordination group, came together with the countries of the Lower Mekong to discuss the …

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Anne C. Richard traveled to Rakhine State, Myanmar, January 16-19, 2015, visiting the state capital, Sittwe, conflict-affected villages in Maungdaw Township and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Sittwe. During the visit, she held discussions with state, district and township officials, Rakhine and Rohingya community …

Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Tom Malinowski and U.S. Ambassador Derek Mitchell will lead a delegation of senior U.S. officials from the Departments of State, Defense, and USAID to the second U.S.-Burma Human Rights Dialogue January 11-17, 2015. Read More

Do you like to eat fish? Fish is the primary source of animal protein for over 1 billion people. Check out the story below about USAID and the University of Arizona’s partnership with local universities and the Myanmar Fisheries Association to boost fish production in Myanmar!  The first batch of fingerling sea bass, a high …

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I would like to congratulate the people of Myanmar as you celebrate the 67th anniversary of your nation’s independence. This day is an appropriate moment to reiterate America’s commitment to supporting your country as you continue down the path of reform towards a …

Ambassador Mitchell went to People’s Park on Saturday to deliver remarks at the opening ceremony of the 66th International Human Rights Day event organized by Equality Myanmar. Ambassador Mitchell reiterated his pledge to work directly with the people of Myanmar, to advance human rights, empower civil society, and be a partner in Myanmar’s reforms. Read More

On December 2, U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Virginia Murray met with representatives from Gender Equality Network, Women’s Organization Network, Akaya Women, UNFPA, and Triangle Women’s Support Group to discuss gender based violence (GBV) issues in Burma. DCM Murray discussed with participants the need for strong laws and policies to protect women’s rights, information and …

U.S. companies are not only seeking investment opportunities in Burma but actively engaging local communities to support broad-based development. They are investing millions of dollars in microfinance for rural citizens, developing women entrepreneurs, training engineers and managers, offering apprenticeship opportunities to youth, and providing tens of millions of gallons of clean water to those without …

Ambassador Derek Mitchell visited Myitkyina, Kachin State October 25-27. This was Ambassador Mitchell’s third visit to Kachin State as Ambassador; his first visit was in December 2012 and his second visit was in October 2013. During his three day visit, Ambassador Mitchell met with more than 150 members of Kachin society, including religious leaders, local …

Yangon — The U.S. Embassy and The Asia Foundation were proud to host a book donation ceremony on September 10, 2014 at the American Center in Yangon. This event marked the eleventh Asia Foundation shipment and totaled 16,311 books, in 402 different titles. The U.S. Embassy and The Asia Foundation have partnered to donate over …

More than 200 entrepreneurs gathered in Yangon for an event organized by U.S. multinationals and the U.S. government to discuss how small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) can operate their businesses within the global supply chain. Read More

The U.S. Government supports efforts to set a high standard for responsible business conduct in Burma and believes that this will have long-lasting positive impacts for both U.S. business and the Burmese people. Through the U.S. Responsible Investment Reporting Requirements, U.S. companies making significant investments in Burma must be fully transparent about payments made to …

Building on a long legacy of support for the aspirations of the Burmese people, the United States is providing assistance to deepen and accelerate Burma’s political, economic, and social transition; promote and strengthen respect for human rights; deliver the benefits of reform to the country’s people; and support the development of a stable society that …

International and Local reporters   Read More

I want to thank the corporate sponsors who are listed on the banner there – all of whom, by the way, are doing outstanding work in demonstrating corporate social responsibility and investing in this country’s future. I want to thank Minister U Soe Thane and Deputy Foreign Minister Thant Kyaw for joining us tonight, and …

MYANMAR NATIONAL DEFENSE COLLEGE SPEECH Read More

Thank you so much for joining me and my colleagues from the U.S. Embassy this evening to celebrate the 238th birthday of the United States. I’m honored to be the first U.S. ambassador to host an Independence Day event at our Jefferson Center in Mandalay. The Center, once the U.S. consulate, remains a symbol of …

The United States supports Burma’s ongoing reform efforts, and believes that the participation of U.S. businesses in Burma’s economy can be a model for responsible investment and business operations that encourage further change, promote inclusive economic development, and contribute to the welfare of the Burmese people. Increasing U.S. trade and investment in Burma will bring …

Mingalaba kh’mya. Hello and welcome.  I’m honored to be back at the Human Rights Human Dignity International Film Festival.  Congratulations to Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi and the other festival organizers. Once again done an incredible job with the festival this year to showcase films focused on human rights here and around the …

Assistant Secretary Russel:to the United States, to see what we are doing, to learn alongside of us and to make your own judgments about what you want to bring back. Sometimes, you bring back ideas about how you can do exactly what your American friends and counterparts are doing. Sometimes, you come back ideas where …

Thank you, Ambassador Mitchell. It is wonderful to be here at a time of such great opportunity for this beautiful country and its people. As President Obama said when he was here in 2012 — the first U.S. President ever to visit Myanmar — the United States values the friendship between our two nations and …

Talking Points:  Mingalaba. Good to see so many old friends here this morning.  Last year, when I spoke at a similar event, I bought a beautiful painting of a bowl fruit created by a man who painted it with his feet. That painting now hangs in my office at the US Embassy. I …