Myanmar's President to US for first state visit

President Thein Sein of Myanmar is heading to a landmark visit to the and United States. In the first state visit by a Myanmarese leader since 1966, Mr. Sein will meet President Obama on Monday.

More than 20 political prisoners have been pardoned in advance of his trip. A spokesman said, Mr Sein hopes to discuss US assistance in developing security and rule of law at the meeting

The US has hailed recent reforms from the formerly military-ruled state, including the release of political dissidents and relaxed censorship. The US has lifted most of its sanctions against Myanmar as a result of its reforms.