President Obama’s Message to Myanmar: “We’re With You and We’re Watching You.”

President Obama travels to Southeast Asia this month on a three day trip with stops slated for Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar. The president will use this opportunity to build trade ties and strengthen relations in the region. Notably, President Obama will be the first sitting president to visit Myanmar, an emerging democratic nation. The president’s visit to Myanmar sends a strong signal of support and encouragement to the government and the people of that country, notes Senior Fellow Jeffrey Bader.