New York, NY (BBN)– Recent developments bode well for progress in Myanmar, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday, while calling on the new Government to do more to ensure to bring about an inclusive transition.

A new government was established in the South-East Asian nation six months ago, and more recently the country has received a series of high-level bilateral visits. In addition, President Thein Sein has made a pledge for Myanmar to “catch up with the changing world.”

“Real opportunities for progress exist, but the Government must step up its efforts for reform if it is to bring about an inclusive – and irreversible – transition,” Mr. Ban said in a press statement issued after the ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends on Burma, officially known as Myanmar, which was held at UN Headquarters on the margins of the 66th session of the General Assembly.

“In particular, the authorities must cultivate improved dialogue with all political actors and release all remaining political prisoners,” he said.

Mr. Ban said change is not only possible, but necessary, adding that the international community has a responsibility to support Myanmar’s change.

Formed in 2007, the Group of more than a dozen nations and regional blocs is designed to serve as a consultative forum for developing a shared approach in support of the Secretary-General’s good offices mandate on Myanmar.

BBN/SSR/SI-28Sept11-12:08 pm (BST)