U.S. President Barack Obama promises a future of friendship and cooperation with Myanmar.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:

"So today I've come to keep my promise, and extend the hand of friendship. America now has an ambassador in Rangoon, sanctions have been eased, and we will help rebuild an economy that can offer opportunities for its people and serve as an engine of growth for the world."

But he was quick to add that Myanmar's future prosperity depends on its ability to end human rights abuses and a recent increase in sectarian violence in his Monday speech to students at Yangon University.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:

"National reconciliation will take time. But for the sake of our common humanity, and for the sake of this country's future, it's necessary to stop incitement and to stop violence. And I welcome the government's commitment to address the issues of injustice."

Obama is the first serving U.S. president to visit the country.

The whirlwind, six-hour trip is part of efforts to acknowledge Myanmar's democratic reforms, but to also pressure the government to stop violations of basic human rights - common under decades of military rule.