Spratlys row on agenda of Aquino meeting with Thai PM

MANILA, Philippines—The disputed Spratly islands will be on the agenda when President Aquino meets with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during her six-hour visit Thursday, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

In a statement, the DFA said the two leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will also “exchange views on bilateral and regional issues that are of mutual interest to both countries, including bolstering economic engagement.”

“The two officials will also discuss ways to further strengthen the implementation of existing cooperation in the areas of energy, agriculture, defense, culture, education, combating drug trafficking, and disaster risk reduction and management. They will also share perspectives on significant developments in Asean, including the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) issue,” the DFA said.

The President will host a luncheon in honor of Shinawatra after the meeting in Malacañang, according to DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez.

He said the visit is one of the highlights of the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Thailand, both founding members of Asean.

It will be Shinawatra’s first visit to the country since she assumed her post in August. When Mr. Aquino flew to Bangkok in May for a working visit, Shinawatra was then campaigning for the Thai elections.

Shinawatra, Thailand’s first female prime minister, is the sister of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a military coup in 2006.

The Spratlys is being claimed in whole or in part by Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines—all Asean members—along with China and Taiwan.