Once critical Philippines embraces new Myanmar

President Benigno Aquino III

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines — once one of the harshest critics of Myanmar’s human rights record — is praising the country’s reforms over the past year and is now seeking closer trade and political ties.

Palace spokeswoman Abigail Valte said that President Benigno Aquino met with Myanmar’s top diplomat in Manila on Thursday.

Valte said Aquino praised Myanmar’s reforms over the past year, which have included freeing its most famous political detainee, Aung San Suu Kyi.

Aquino also discussed with Myanmar Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin how their countries can intensify political cooperation, trade, investment, agriculture and tourism, she said.