President Benigno Aquino III and Burmese President Thein Sein. MALACAÑANG FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Myanmar President Thein Sein is set to visit the Philippines and meet with President Benigno Aquino III from December 4 to 6, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.
“The two leaders will meet to discuss issues of mutual concern, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, agriculture, energy, cultural exchanges and information cooperation, among others,” DFA said in a statement Monday.
This is the first state visit of President Thein Sein to the Philippines and is also the first time a head of state from Myanmar to come to the country since Prime Minister Soe Win visited Manila in 2005, DFA said.
Aquino and Thein Sein were able to meet previously during the World Economic Forum (WEF) hosted by Myanmar last June 7, 2013. The WEF will be hosted by the Philippines in 2015.
Recently in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) Myanmar donated seven tons of relief goods and $100,000 in financial aid for those in the severely affected provinces.
“The Philippines and Myanmar established diplomatic relations in 1956 and will celebrate the 60th anniversary of their relations in 2016,” DFA said.
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