..MANILA, Philippines --- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday met with Myanmar Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin in Malacanang, congratulating the Foreign Minister for development towards reforms in Myanmar.
The Foreign Minister of Myanmar is here in the country for the Philippines - Myanmar Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, the second held between the two countries since 2004.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said President Aquino congratulated the Foreign Minister for the progress in Myanmar, particularly its steps toward reform and democratization.
"Enhanced bilateral ties with individual friends from Southeast Asia are a vital cornerstone of our continuing thrust toward ASEAN centrality and solidarity," Valte said.
"As member-nations become emerging forces in the global arena, the Philippines is determined to do its part in strengthening the collective for the benefit of the region and its people," she said.
The discussion between Aquino and Lwin covered areas of mutual interest, such as political cooperation, trade and investment, human rights, education, agriculture, tourism, and air services, among others.
The Philippines and Myanmar are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which aims to become One Community by 2015.
Myanmar's democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi has won a seat in the country's by-elections held last April 1. She was released from prison on November 13, 2010 after being placed on house arrest since 1989.
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