PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday left for an official visit of Myanmar and Thailand.
“These official visits form the final leg of my introductory trips to my colleagues and friends in Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations],” Duterte said in his predeparture speech at the Davao International Airport.
Duterte said his visit was timely as the Philippines prepared to host the 30th Asean Summit and Related Meetings in Manila this April.”©
The Philippines and Myanmar have had relations for more than six decades. Duterte said his visit will underscore the Philippines’ commitment to deepen its partnership with that country.
He said the Philippines could use stronger cooperation to combat traditional and emerging transnational crimes including terrorism and violent extremism, piracy and the illicit drug trade.”© “©
Myanmar’s economic development is recognized as one of the fastest in the region, and therefore bilateral trade and investment would be the key areas of discussion.
With expanding Philippine businesses making their mark around the region and in Myanmar, Duterte said, they could encourage collaboration in mutually beneficial sectors of growth, including in pharmaceuticals and food and beverage.
“I look forward to discussions on these matters with President U Htin Kyaw,” Duterte said.
“I shall also meet State Counselor and Foreign Minister Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Commander-in-Chief of Defense Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
“In my discussions, I will convey the Philippines’ support for the reforms being undertaken by Myanmar as well as its efforts to address certain problems in these regions.”
From Myanmar, Duterte will proceed to Thailand.
The Philippines has had formal relations with Thailand for 67 years.”©
“It is fitting that as chair of Asean, I make this important trip to a co-founder of Asean in the capital where the foundation of Asean was laid 50 years ago,” Duterte said.
In his visit to Bangkok, Duterte said, he will renew the Philippines’ commitment to further enhance its relations with Thailand.
“We have to move forward together on shared interests in securing security and stability in the region as we seek to sustain growth and development for our peoples,” Duterte said.
He said he was looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to discuss strengthening defense relations, intensifying trade and investment and enhancing education and cooperation.
Duterte is also scheduled to meet the corporate sector in Thailand to discuss economic opportunities in the Philippines.
In both Myanmar and Thailand, Duterte said, he welcomed the important opportunity of meeting “our kababayan who have been key partners in our program for positive change and reform in our government.””©
“I will thank them for their support and apprise them of the developments in the country.”©These visits will complete my swing of our Asean neighborhood,” he said.
“I remain humbly your President who will look after our nation’s interests as I seek to pursue the collective objectives of the Asean region.”