US President Barack Obama and visiting Myanmar counterpart Thein Sein sought possibilities to step up the two countries’ cooperation during their talks in Washington DC on May 20.

At the talks, the two leaders also talked about ways to continue speeding up the reform and opening process, national reconciliation, and violation prevention in Myanmar.

Thein Sein’s visit is the first by a head of State of Myanmar to the US in 47 years. It took place six months after Obama’s Myanmar visit in November 2011, which was described by the White House as a historical visit.

A recent press release issued by the White House before Thein Sein’s visit said the visit confirmed the Obama Government’s commitment to support and step up Myanmar’s reforms.

Based on reform results in Myanmar, the US administration has so far lifted almost its sanctions and embargoes against the Southeast Asia country during the 1990s.

The White House has also pledged a 170 million USD aid in two years to speed up reform process in Myanmar.

The Myanmar President is scheduled to deliver a speech at Johns Hopkins University and meet US businesses’ executives to seek investment and business opportunities.

During the visit, the US and Myanmar are expected to sign a framework agreement on trade and investment.-VNA