Duterte headed for Burma, Thailand

President Rodrigo Duterte. AP File Photo

President Duterte is heading to Burma (Myanmar) and Thailand next week, completing his visit to the nine member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

Mr. Duterte will hold bilateral talks with Burma President U Htin Kyaw and meet with Nobel laureate and state counselor Aung San Suu Kyi when he embarks on a state visit to Burma on March 19 and 20, according to Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose.

“Issues of mutual concern on political cooperation, on economic cooperation, as well as capacity building” will be tackled by Mr. Duterte and Suu Kyi, according to Jose.

A state banquet will also be held in the Philippine President’s honor in Burma. Also on his agenda is a meeting with Burma’s Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing.

Mr. Duterte will also meet with the Filipino community in Burma during his visit to the capital, Nay Pyi Taw. There are some 1,800 Filipinos in Burma who work in foreign firms and international organizations.

“During these occasions, the President makes it a point to apprise our countrymen about his administration’s priority programs and developments in the Philippines,” said Jose.

Mr. Duterte will be in Thailand from March 20 to 22 to meet with Thai Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha to discuss political, economic, agriculture, energy, education and defense cooperation matters.