Editorial: We welcome, His Excellency, President U Thein Sein of Myanmar

His Excellency, President U Thein Sein of Myanmar, is making his first State Visit to the Philippines on December 4-6, 2013. He is accompanied by Madame Daw Khin Khin Win, and Members of his Official Delegation. He is scheduled to meet with Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III to discuss issues of mutual concern in trade and investment, agriculture, energy, education, labor, and technology. The two leaders held their first bilateral meeting during the 22nd World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia Summit hosted by Myanmar on June 7, 2013.

The Philippines and Myanmar are both Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The latter is set to assume its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2014. The two countries established diplomatic relations on September 29, 1956, and are set to observe the 60th year of their relations in 2016. The Philippines will host the WEF and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in 2015, of which the two countries are members. The Philippines and Myanmar have maintained their close and strong relations for 57 years now. There has been an increase in exchange of visits between Filipinos and people of Myanmar, the academe, civil society, and business sectors. The visit of President U Thein Sein is expected to further improve the two countries' relations in trade and investment, political and economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.

The two leaders will discuss the welfare of over 500 Filipinos living and working in Myanmar, mostly in the capital Yangon. Filipinos in Myanmar work as Teachers, Engineers, Architects, Journalists, Technical Experts, and Business Professionals. They are recognized for their contributions to Myanmar's Economy and Development. The two countries have helped each other in times of need. Myanmar donated seven tons of relief goods and gave financial support to help those affected by the recent super-typhoon in the Visayas. When Myanmar was hit by cyclone Nargis in 2008, the Philippines sent financial aid, a medical team, medicines and relief goods, and provided a cargo plane for airlift.

Born on April 20, 1945, in the Irrawaddy delta village of Kyonku, President U Thein Sein graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the 9th Intake of the Defense Services Academy and then started his military career. He was Prime Minister from 2007 until 2011. He has been president of Myanmar since February 4, 2011. He heads the Union Solidarity and Development Party.

The Manila Bulletin, led by its Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Emilio T. Yap, President and Publisher Atty. Hermogenes P. Pobre, Executive Vice President Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Cris J. Icban Jr., Business Editor Loreto D. Cabañes, Officers and Employees, welcome His Excellency, President U Thein Sein of Myanmar, First Lady Daw Khin Khin Win, and Delegation on their historic State Visit to the Republic of the Philippines. We wish them success and an enjoyable stay in our Republic of the Philippines. A VERY CORDIAL WELCOME AND MABUHAY!

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/editorial-we-welcome-his-excellency-president-u-thein-sein-of-myanmar/