US president Barack Obama departed Saturday for his first international trip since his re-election, a three-country swing through Asia meant to highlight his administration's commitment to that region.

Obama is expected to visit Thailand and Myanmar before he comes to Cambodia for East Asia summit. According to analysts, the stop in Myanmar is the trip's focal point. Prior to this trip, the US administration on Friday announced that it will remove sanctions against exporting goods from Myanmar to encourage reform effort by Nay Pi Taw administration and open new opportunities for enterprises of the two countries. President Obama will leave for Cambodia early next week for East Asia Summit and US – ASEAN summit.