Yangon, 19 February – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert concluded her successful visit to Yangon today with an invitation from the government of The Union of Myanmar to host the first Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) between the two countries in April. This was
confirmed during her courtesy call on Prime Minister Khin Nyunt at the Meeting hall of the Zeyarthiri Beikman.

“Prime Minister Khin Nyunt informed me that the Government of The Union of Myanmar is prepared to host the first session of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between our two countries. He proposed the second week of April as possible dates for convening the JCBC in Yangon. Our respective officials will now work out the arrangements for this Meeting,” Secretary Albert said, noting that most ASEAN member countries are actively engaged in business ventures as part of ASEAN’s policy of “constructive engagement.”

The MOU on the establishment of a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between the Philippines and Myanmar was signed in Yangon in October 1997 during the state visit of former President Fidel Ramos to the country. It entered into force in February 1998.

Prime Minister Khin Nyunt also assured Secretary Albert that while Myanmar is “not yet a democratic country, it is on its way to becoming one.” The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to implement its seven-step “road map” to democracy announced last August. This includes as a first step in its transition to becoming a democratic nation, the convening of a national convention this year to lay down the basic principles to be incorporated into a new constitution.

 “The Philippines welcomes the efforts being undertaken by the government of the Union of Myanmar to implement its ‘road-map’ for transition to democracy. It looks forward to the convening of the National Convention and the drafting of Myanmar’s new Constitution,” Secretary Albert said.

Earlier, the Secretary met with her counterpart, Foreign Minister U Win Aung, to discuss the current state of relations between the Philippines and Myanmar and to identify possible areas where the two countries can forge mutually beneficial links and cooperation.

 “Relations between our two countries have been marked by traditional cordiality and friendship, as evidenced by bilateral exchanges at the highest levels as well as cooperation within the framework of several agreements that we have concluded for our mutual benefit, “ Secretary Albert said.

 “The Philippines can share its expertise on human resource development and its long experience as an agricultural nation as part of its commitment to assist Myanmar in its economic and social development goals. We also have existing agreements on trade, investments and culture, which we can use as a framework to
expand our cooperation in these areas, including an exchange of visits of medical, cultural, and business groups. The holding of the Philippines-Myanmar JCBC in April can therefore serve as a mechanism for our two countries to strengthen and move our bilateral relations forward,” she added. END