President Duterte speaks during his departure ceremony before a visit to Myanmar at Davao city international airport, in Davao, Philippines, 19 March 2017.
(EPA/CERILO EBRANO / MANILA BULLETIN)
President Rodrigo Duterte said he will be anchoring its friendship and possible deals on the similarities between the Philippines and Myanmar, during a departure speech delivered at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City.
Duterte said he is scheduled to visit Myanmar and Thailand in the latest leg of his visits to the ASEAN member states.
In a prepared speech, President Duterte said that the synergies between the two nations could form the basis of strengthened cooperation. “As developing countries with similar historic experiences and facing the same challenges, we can use the synergies of our interests as basis for strengthened cooperation,” Duterte said. The President cited “traditional and emerging transnational crimes” such as terrorism, violent extremism, piracy, and illicit drug trade. “We also have a common interest in sustaining inclusive growth and development for our peoples,” Duterte added.
“Myanmar’s economic development is recognized as one of the fastest in our region and therefore bilateral trade and investment will be a key area of discussion,” he said.
Duterte said that the Philippines and Myanmar could likely partner in several industries such as pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage. According to the leader, the visits to the ASEAN member states help the Philippines prepare for the scheduled hosting of the 30th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Manila this April.
“Myanmar is our ASEAN neighbor and friend with whom we’ve had relations for more than six decades now. My visit will underscore our commitment to deepen partnership with Myanmar towards a brighter and better future,” Duterte said. After Myanmar, Thailand will also be honored as a co-founding nation which started the ASEAN 50 years ago.
“There is much at stake in relations. 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.”
Source: manilabulletin
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