Aquino appoints defense attache to Myanmar

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno Aquino III said today that he has appointed a resident defense attache to Myanmar to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.

Aquino made this announcement during a joint press briefing with visiting Myanmar President Thein Sein in the presidential palace Malacanang.

The two leaders discussed the democratic and economic reforms in Myanmar during their meeting.

Aquino said the Philippines supports these reforms which include the conduct of free elections, the release of political prisoners, the expansion of political rights and promulgation of new economic laws such as the new Foreign Investment Law.

Following their talks, Aquino and Thein Sein witnessed the signing of agreements on trade and investment, agricultural cooperation, renewable energy, information cooperation and visa exemption for Filipino holders of ordinary passports.

The Philippines and Myanmar agreed to continue discussions on establishing a Joint Trade Commission and to update their 1979 Air Services Agreement to promote trade and tourism linkages between the two countries.

A Memorandum of Agreement between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce, which will establish a bilateral business forum, was also signed today.

This is Thein Sein's first visit to the Philippines since he assumed office in 2011.

The Philippines and Myanmar established diplomatic relations in 1956.