Philippine President Offers Humanitarian Aid to Arakan State
By Htet Naing Zaw 20 March 2017
NAYPYIDAW — President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte, presently in Burma for an official visit, has formalized a donation of US$300,000 in humanitarian aid designated for to conflict-stricken Arakan State.
The Philippine president had a meeting with State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday afternoon in Naypyidaw.
According to sources from Burma’s President’s Office, Duterte put forward the aid funds during the meeting with the State Counselor, as she also serves as the chairperson of the Central Committee for the Implementation of Peace and Development in Arakan State.
Duterte and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also signed memorandums of understanding on issues concerning food security and agriculture. They also discussed cooperation between their two countries regarding anti-human trafficking, counterterrorism, and anti-drug initiatives.
On Monday morning, Duterte met with Burma’s President U Htin Kyaw to discuss the strengthening of relations between two Southeast Asian countries.
Duterte had a separate meeting with Burmese military chief, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, at Horizon Lake View Hotel on Monday, where he is staying.
The Philippine President arrived Naypyidaw on Sunday evening and will be in Burma for two days. The visit also coincides with the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Burma.
