Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday embarked on a four-day trip to Myanmar and Thailand aimed at boosting ties with the two Southeast Asian neighbours.
“We will strengthen partnerships for positive change as we engage our region and our world,” Duterte said before leaving for the Myanmar capital of Naypyidaw, his first stop.
With the trip, Duterte is completing his visits to member countries of the Association of Southeast Nations (Asean) that have taken place since he became president in June last year.
The trip to Myanmar coincides with the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The notoriously straight-talking Duterte will meet with State Counsellor and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi and his counterpart President Htin Kyaw.
Duterte said he would discuss co-operation in combating traditional and emerging transnational crimes, including terrorism and violent extremism, piracy and the illegal drug trade with Myanmar’s officials.
Bilateral trade and investment would also be a key area of discussion, he added.
“In my discussions, I will convey the Philippines’ support for the reforms being undertaken by Myanmar as well as in its efforts to address challenges, certain problems in these regions,” he said.
Today, the 71-year-old president travels to Thailand, where he will meet with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha to discuss political, economic, agricultural, energy, educational, and defence co-operation.“There is much at stake in (our) relations,” Duterte said.”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.”
In both trips, the president will meet with the Filipino communities in the two countries.
At least 1,800 Filipinos live in and work in Myanmar and 16,000 Filipinos in Thailand.