Obama calls new Burmese President, Suu Kyi

Washington, Apr 7: US President Barack Obama has congratulated his Burmese counterpart Htin Kyaw and foreign minister Aung San Suu Kyi and assured America's support to the new civilian government which he termed as a "historic step forward", the White House said.

"The President welcomed the historic step forward of a democratic transfer of power to a civilian-led government that reflects the will of the people," the White House said yesterday.

During a telephonic conversation, Obama underscored the commitment of the United States to support the people and government of Burma as they work to achieve a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous future, a statement said. Obama also extended his best wishes to President Htin Kyaw and the people of Burma ahead of the upcoming Water Festival and New Year celebrations.

Obama spoke to his fellow noble laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the new foreign minister of Burma and offered his congratulations on her country's historic democratic transfer of power to a civilian-led government, the White House said.

"The President commended Aung San Suu Kyi's determined efforts, over the course of many years and at great personal cost, to achieve a peaceful transfer of power and advance national reconciliation," it said.

PTI