NEWS: Philippines Honours Departing

[mg_myanmar@xxxxxxxxx]

Subject: NEWS: Philippines Honours Departing Myanmar Diplomat

Friday, December 10 

Philippines Honours Departing Myanmar Diplomat

MANILA, Dec 10 Asia Pulse - Philippines President Joseph Estrada Thursday conferred the Order of Sikatuna, rank of Datu, on outgoing Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines U San Thein for his efforts in promoting vigorous bilateral cooperation between his country and the Philippines. 
The envoy was praised for his significant contributions to the forging of closer relations between the Philippines and the Union of Myanmar during his tour of duty of four and a half years. The envoy was responsible for the preparations for the state visit of former President Fidel V. Ramos to Myanmar in 1997 and the return state visit of Senior General Than Shwe to the Philippines in 1998. 

The Sikatuna award is conferred on diplomats who have rendered outstanding service in promoting diplomatic relations between the country they represent and the Philippines. 

After the awarding ceremony, Ambassador U San Thein told the President that Myanmar was trying its best to promote friendly relations with all countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 

The President, for his part, said the Philippines would continue to enhance diplomatic relations with Myanmar. At the same time, he also called for broader commercial relations with Myanmar as he noted the "very low trade" between the two countries. 

Being a new member of Asean, Myanmar looks forward to continue supporting the group's efforts in building and maintaining peace and prosperity in the region in the next century, the envoy said. 

In July, 1997, Myanmar became a full-fledged member of the ASEAN and during the 3rd ASEAN Informal Summit which Manila hosted last month, Myanmar was represented by Senior General Than Shwe.
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Mg Myanmar
A Myanmar citizen who loves Myanmar

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