SINGAPORE, Rajab 12, 1433, Jun 2, 2012, SPA - Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told Asian leaders Saturday that the U.S. is open to forging better military ties with Myanmar, if political and human rights reforms there continue. His comments to a defense conference here reflected new efforts by the Obama administration to ease sanctions on the Asian nation, according to a report of the Associated Press. Assuming Myanmar is able to implement reforms and continue efforts to open up its political system, the Pentagon would be willing to have discussions about how the two nations can improve their military relationship, Panetta said. In an address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a prominent defense conference, Panetta said "In the world today, the U.S. has to engage with other countries to help them build their own military capabilities so they can defend themselves. "We will encourage that kind of relationship with every nation that we deal with in this region, including Myanmar," Panetta added. --SPA 12:05 LOCAL TIME 09:05 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1003914