Congratulating Myanmar’s President for Taking Office, Secretary-General Says Peaceful Transfer of Power Marks Significant Historical Moment

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General congratulates His Excellency U Htin Kyaw on his assumption of the office of the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

He welcomed the peaceful transfer of power as testament to the commitment on the part of the people of Myanmar to democracy and a significant moment in the country’s history.

The Secretary-General reiterated the hope that the new leadership and other significant actors in Myanmar will make progress towards the path of democratic consolidation, national reconciliation and social and economic progress.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed the readiness of the United Nations to continue to support efforts to advance peace, development, human rights and the rule of law for the benefit of all the people of Myanmar.