Readout of the President’s Call to President Thein Sein of Burma

President Obama spoke by phone with President Thein Sein of Burma to discuss his upcoming travel to Burma for the East Asia Summit and U.S.-ASEAN Summit. President Obama and President Thein Sein discussed the status of Burma’s ongoing political and economic reforms. The President stressed the importance of the government of Burma taking additional steps to address the tensions and the humanitarian situation in Rakhine State including through revisions to the Rakhine Action Plan and other measures to support the civil and political rights of the Rohingya population. The President welcomed the commitment of Thein Sein and his government to the peace process and said every effort should be made conclude a national ceasefire in the short term. President Obama also underscored the need for an inclusive and credible process for conducting the 2015 elections. President Obama reiterated the United States’ firm commitment to helping the people of Burma achieve a more free, open, and prosperous nation.