US to ease ban on Burma imports Thein Sein met Mrs Clinton ahead of his address to the UN General Assembly on Thursday, during a landmark visit to the United States that coincides with a triumphal American tour by Ms Suu Kyi. The people of Myanmar are very pleased with the easing of economic sanctions by the United States. We are very grateful for the actions of the United States," he told Mrs Clinton, as the two leaders met for the third time. Thein Sein is expected to outline to the UN his plans for the future of his fast-changing nation during his first trip to the US since taking power last year and ushering in a period of rapid reform. He also met with Ms Suu Kyi at his New York hotel on Tuesday, marking their first encounter overseas, according to Burmese state media. Their warming relationship is seen as a key factor in the country's reforms. The move to ease the import ban comes after Washington lifted sanctions on US investment in Burma in July, enabling a major US trade delegation to visit the country just a few days later. A senior State Department official said the talks were very "warm," adding it was "clear that Thein Sein and Aung San Suu Kyi are a very effective team." "We have watched as you and your government have continued the steady process of reform and we have been pleased to respond with specific steps which recognise the government's efforts and encourage further reform," Mrs Clinton said.