TOKYO, JAPAN - US President Barack Obama Saturday urged Myanmar to release detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, urging the regime to take a path to "true security and prosperity."

"We are now communicating directly with the leadership to make it clear that existing sanctions will remain until there are concrete steps toward democratic reform," he said of the military-ruled country also called Burma.

"We support a Burma that is unified, peaceful, prosperous and democratic. And as Burma moves in that direction, a better relationship with the United States is possible," Obama said in a speech delivered in Tokyo.

Obama called for the "release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, an end to conflicts with minority groups, and a genuine dialogue between the government, the democratic opposition and minority groups on a shared vision for the future."

"That is how a government in Burma will be able to respond to the needs of its people. That is the path that will bring Burma true security and prosperity."

The comments reflect his administration's policy turnaround towards Myanmar, abandoning Washington's long-time stance of political isolation towards Mynmar's undemocratic leaders, in favour of cautious diplomatic engagment.

Obama was speaking as he wraps up a two-day visit to Japan, his first trip to Asia before he heads off to Singapore for the APEC summit followed by visits to China and South Korea.

The meeting in Singapore is set to see Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein and other leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations hold their first ever collective talks with a US president.

The meeting will mark the first time in 43 years a US president has met a Myanmar leader.

Suu Kyi's party won 1990 elections, but the ruling junta never recognised her victory and has had her in detention for most of the time since then.

Myanmar's generals are preparing to hold elections next year.