Phl urges Myanmar to release political prisoners

MANILA, Philippines -  The Philippines has encouraged Myanmar to consider the release of 2,100 political prisoners, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario met Myanmar’s new Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin on April 10 at the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Informal Special Foreign Ministers‘ Meeting on the East Asia Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

Del Rosario congratulated Foreign Minister Lwin on his appointment and called for stronger bilateral relations, as well as regional cooperation together with the other ASEAN member states in meeting the objectives of the ASEAN Charter.

He also noted Myanmar’s roadmap to democracy, which is important in establishing a clear path to being able to join other countries of ASEAN in embracing democracy, and encouraged Myanmar to consider the release of the 2,100 political prisoners.

Del Rosario further recalled the recent business-matching mission in Myanmar and called for more cooperation in facilitating business, such as the waiver of the visa requirements for businessmen interested in doing business in Myanmar as a way of enhancing bilateral relations.