NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar – President Duterte is scheduled to arrive here today for his first official visit.
Duterte is scheduled to meet Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw to discuss the strengthening of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Myanmar.
“President Duterte’s visit to Myanmar is significant in many respects. In particular, the discussion will include talks on improving trade and investment relations,” said Alex Chua, Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar.
The visit from March 19 to 20 coincides with the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-Myanmar bilateral relations.
“Commemorative activities have been held beginning last year and the President’s visit to Myanmar this year is the culmination of the celebration of this milestone in our friendly relations with Myanmar,” said Chua.
According to Chua, this year, the Philippine President’s visit to Myanmar, an Association of Southeast Asian Nations member country, symbolizes the Philippines’ commitment to the shared aspiration and values of ASEAN.
This year, the Philippines is the ASEAN chair as the region celebrates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN.
During Duterte’s visit, Chua said, the Memorandum of Understanding on Food Security and Agricultural Cooperation will be signed between the two governments.
Duterte will also meet key political figures in Myanmar. “President Duterte’s meeting with President U Htin Kyaw, Myanmar’s first civilian President in five decades, is a concrete manifestation of the Philippines’ continued support for countries in the region,” Chua said. (Roy C. Mabasa)