NAYPYIDAW: UN chief Ban Ki-moon held landmark talks with Myanmar's president Monday in a high-profile show of support for changes sweeping through the former pariah state.
During his three-day visit, Ban is expected to urge further steps towards democracy and appeal for unfettered humanitarian access to tens of thousands of refugees who have fled ethnic conflict.
"I would like to extend a warm welcome from the people of Myanmar," said President Thein Sein as the pair met at his official residence in the capital Naypyidaw.
Ban is also due to meet opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on what is his first trip to the country formerly called Burma since decades of military rule ended last year. (AFP)