Addressing his speech at the University of Yangon on the same day, Gauck said that German businessmen are waiting to see better infrastructure, a modern financial system, legal certainty and transparency before investing in Myanmar.
Gauck said that there are now many signs of changes and commitments the government has made including releasing almost all political prisoners, ceasefire agreements between government and ethnic minorities, development of press freedom, ending forced labor and the recruiting of child soldiers.
He expressed his willingness to provide assistance in the sphere of constitutional reform.
"The transformation from subject to citizen, from authoritarian state to democracy, from military to civilian rule is difficult. Myanmar has come a long way within a short space of time," Gauck underlined.
He stressed that for conflict and arbitrary actions by the state are poison for the country's development, adding that only national reconciliation can lay the groundwork which will allow Myanmar to flourish.
"I am concerned -- as are so many others -- when I hear of the ongoing violence between Buddhists and Muslims in your country. Just like many other countries, the Rohingyas belong to Myanmar," he said, "I welcome all efforts to grant them a solid legal status as well as the prospect of self-determination within your country. "
He cited that successful peace negotiations are also good for armed forces which can then devote their energies to preserving the country's unity.
He recommended the government that education is needed for citizens of Myanmar and schools are essential to all in which all children can develop their talents and learn what they need to lead independent lives in the country and in the world.
He said he is also delighted that Deutsche Welle Akademie is in the process establishing a school for journalists in Myanmar together with other European partners.
German president officially opened the new Goethe-Institute here offering German courses on the same day. It will become a meeting-place for all those interested in cultural exchange.
There was once a previous Goethe Institute in Myanmar, the first Goethe presence in Southeast Asia, founded at the end of 1959 prior to the institutes in Bangkok and Singapore, Manila and Jakarta.
Gauck arrived on Sunday for his first ever official visit to Myanmar as a German president in 26 years since 1986.
source: Global Times
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