The Philippine government has continued to improve its diplomatic relations with Myanmar, according to Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Alex Chua.
In his interview with Radio TV Malacañang, Chua said since its establishment in 1956, bilateral relations between the Philippines and Myanmar have been strengthened by high-level exchanges and active involvement of the Philippine embassy in Myanmar.
Chua made the statement prior to the visit of President Benigno Aquino III in Myanmar to attend the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit on November 12 and 13.
The envoy said the exchange of visits between President Aquino and Myanmar President U Thein Sein in the past years has further improved the relations of the two countries.
In June last year, President Benigno Aquino III visited Myanmar for the 22nd World Economic Forum on East Asia.
President Thein Sein then visited the Philippines last December upon the invitation of President Aquino. The state visit was the Myanmar leader’s first visit to Manila since he assumed office in 2011.
Chua said the state visit resulted in the signing of a number of agreements that aim to enhance our cooperation in the fields of information, renewal energy, agriculture food security, and trade and investment.
One notable agreement that was signed during the visit was the visa-free agreement, which allows Filipinos to stay in Myanmar for up to 14 days without the need for a visa.
The envoy said this agreement has encouraged Filipinos to visit Myanmar.
Chua also took note of the historic visit of Myanmar’s first Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief General Min Aung Hlaing to the Philippines.
Aside from the high-level exchanges, the envoy said the Philippine embassy in Myanmar is also active in strengthening Philippines-Myanmar bilateral relations.
“This year, we facilitated the participation of the Philippines to ASEAN meetings hosted by Myanmar. The Embassy also facilitated the outbound missions of Philippine companies to Myanmar which we hope will bear fruit in the future,” he said.
The embassy has also organized various events that will promote the products and culture of both Philippines and Myanmar.
Chua said the Philippines and Myanmar will celebrate 60 years of bilateral relations in 2016. PND
