Aung San Suu Kyi has lent her support to the easing of US sanctions against Myanmar as part of a broader partnership with the United States.
The Nobel Laureate, who spent 15 years under house arrest before her release in late 2010, leads the Myanmar opposition and wants to rebuild her nation as a democracy.
She met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton before addressing the US Institute of Peace in Washington.
"So what we have to do in the future is not just to build democracy in Burma, but to rebuild our nation in a democratic mould. And in this we look to help from our friends who understand and who appreciate the value of democracy and democratic values."
Prior to her arrival in the US, Myanmar pardoned more than 500 prisoners in an amnesty that included at least 80 political detainees.
The move comes as the US considers lifting a ban on imports from Myanmar.
