Nay Pyi Taw, Aug 26 (IANS): Myanmar President U Thein Sein has urged rebel groups to work for the development of the nation, officials said Tuesday.

In a meeting with leaders of armed groups from the Shan state, U Thein Sein guaranteed development of education, healthcare services and rehabilitation programmes in the ethnic areas, Xinhua reported.

The Shan ethnic leaders reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty of the country and to promote a dialogue for peace.

Myanmar has made important progress in the fifth round of nationwide ceasefire talks between the government and the ethnic armed groups from Aug 15 to 17 as representatives settled many issues of conflict to reach major consensus for the finalisation of a nationwide truce accord.

During the three-day ceasefire talks at the Myanmar Peace Centre in Yangon, the government representatives made a major concession to ethnic armed groups' demand for building a federal system of government to guarantee the rights to democracy, equality and self-determination.

The two sides agreed to continue talks in September and the nationwide ceasefire accord is expected to be signed by October.